ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) model which is multilayered and digitised, rights-based, scalable and sustainable on the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) to mark the World Mental Health day.
The MHPSS was launched with the theme “Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority”.
The model aims to successfully engage the community, build the capacity of mental health professionals and develop inter-sectoral collaboration. This model serves as a perfect response to the growing mental health challenge.
It is noted that Pakistan is home to approximately 220 million people but has one of the poorest mental health indicators in the world. As per estimates of the WHO, over 30 million people in the country suffer from some sort of mental disorders. Pakistan is estimated to have less than 500 psychiatrists in total, which has created a massive gap in treatment of mental health issues. The paucity of mental health professionals has left untreated more than 80 per cent of people with common mental health disorders.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal had organised a roundtable in 2016, while inviting doctors to address the mental health issue and to take concrete steps to eliminate the menace. Initially, this model will be implemented in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) in collaboration with WHO, Ministry of Health and Planning Commission, while the provincial government will follow the same model.
The minister had stated that the people have faced tough times during Corona and now flood has been the key issue therefore, this model will help them to come out from this crisis.
This internationally recognized guide, called mhGAP-HIG-PK has been specifically adapted for Pakistan. This guide has also been converted into a digital application. ``The objective of this guide is to train primary care staff and counsellors to provide treatment for common mental disorders and identify those who need further specialist care,”
According to a report of mhGAP Humanitarian Intervention Guide (mhGAP-HIG), “in rapidly changing and unpredictable humanitarian environments, health-care providers are under enormous pressure to see as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time. Consultations in health facilities need to be brief, flexible and focused on the most urgent issues. Good communication skills will help health-care providers achieve these goals and will help deliver effective care to adults, adolescents and children with mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) conditions.”
The report further stated that “People with severe MNS conditions may demonstrate unusual behaviours. Understand that this may be because of their illness. Stay calm and patient. Never laugh at the person. If the person behaves inappropriately (e.g., agitated, aggressive, threatening), look for the source of the problem and suggest solutions. Involve their carers or other staff members in creating a calm, quiet space. If they are extremely distressed or agitated, you may need to prioritize their consultation and bring them into your consulting space at once.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2022
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