KARACHI: Chairman Sindh Mental Health Authority (SMHA) Dr Karim Khawaja has said that mental health issues are now among the most common health concerns, second only to cardiovascular diseases, and may lead to serious consequences if left unaddressed. He was addressing an awareness session, which was part of the largest 2-day Mental Health Drive held in collaboration with Thar Foundation to benefit more than 1000 community members and workers in Thar Block-II.
“Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah is directing serious efforts to improve mental healthcare services across the province. The provincial government provides free medicines for mental health treatment.
‘However, stronger preventive measures against substance abuse are needed as it is becoming a major cause of mental health disorders,” said Dr Karim.
He informed that a tele-counselling helpline that connects remote villages to psychiatrists was launched at Civil Hospital Mithi and Hyderabad with the support of Thar Foundation.
It was observed that Out Patient Department (OPD) attendance at Mithi’s civil hospital has increased manifold, as these awareness sessions have helped communities dispel myths about mental health conditions and break the stigma.
Under this partnership with Thar Foundation, the SMHA has also trained Lady Health Workers as first responders, completed a comprehensive awareness survey and a Psychological Autopsy study - the first of its kind in South Asia - to establish an evidence-based baseline for targeted intervention.
Farhan Ansari, GM of Thar Foundation, commended SMHA for prioritizing youth and school-going children in Thar, with teachers now being trained in mental health awareness. He added that the Foundation is creating opportunities for healthy activities that support better mental health for Thar’s youth. Secretary of the Sindh Mental Health Authority Dr Syed Zafar Mehdi also attended the sessions.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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