President Asif Ali Zardari today reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to elevate mental health to the status of a national priority, announcing a series of major initiatives to integrate psychological well-being into the broader public health system.
In his message on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the President urged all segments of society to join hands in eliminating stigma and promoting compassion for those facing psychological challenges. He extended his solidarity to everyone in Pakistan and around the globe who lives with mental health conditions.
President Zardari stressed the importance of encouraging open dialogue within families, schools, workplaces, and communities. He highlighted that such conversations are crucial for fostering resilience and greater understanding of these issues.
Recognizing this significant challenge, the President confirmed that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of National Health Services, has already taken a series of steps to address the matter comprehensively.
Key among these measures is the introduction of mental wellness services at primary healthcare facilities. Additionally, new tele-mental health platforms are being utilized to extend access to care for individuals residing in remote and underserved areas.
To bolster these efforts, community health workers are being trained to identify symptoms early and provide essential support. The government is also rolling out awareness campaigns aimed at tackling misinformation and the social stigma associated with psychological health.