Experts call for greater focus on mental health at awareness seminar in Mirpurkhas

A mental health awareness seminar was held at a local hotel in Mirpurkhas on Tuesday through the joint collaboration of Civil Hospital Mirpurkhas and Genetics Pharma, bringing together medical experts, educators and civil society representatives to highlight the growing importance of mental health care in Pakistan

MIRPURKHAS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jun, 2026) A mental health awareness seminar was held at a local hotel in Mirpurkhas on Tuesday through the joint collaboration of Civil Hospital Mirpurkhas and Genetics Pharma, bringing together medical experts, educators and civil society representatives to highlight the growing importance of mental health care in Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Medical Superintendent of District Headquarters Civil Hospital Mirpurkhas, Dr. Hemji Chohan, stressed the need to promote mental health awareness and preventive care, saying that individuals suffering from mental illnesses could reintegrate into society as productive members if timely support and treatment were provided. He noted that a significant portion of the population is affected by mental health conditions, underscoring the need to treat mental health as a public health priority.

Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Lakhesh Kumar Khatri highlighted the global and national burden of mental illnesses, stating that approximately 1.

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2 billion people worldwide are affected by various psychological disorders. He pointed to conditions such as anxiety, schizophrenia, neurosis and depression as major contributors, and noted that around one percent of the population may suffer from schizophrenia. He further estimated that tens of thousands of individuals in the Mirpurkhas Division alone could be affected, while emphasizing that a significant number of patients could recover with proper diagnosis and treatment.

Speakers including social workers, educators and civil society representatives called for improved mental health facilities, early awareness among children, and increased access to rehabilitation services. Participants also stressed the role of sports, improved social environments and institutional support in preventing mental health issues, while urging the establishment of specialized treatment centers and care facilities at the divisional level.

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