Islamabad: The Federal Minister for National Health Services, Mustafa Kamal, has called for the integration of mental health services into Pakistan’s primary healthcare and education systems, following a comprehensive review of the country’s mental health agenda. In a meeting attended by Dr. Syed Usman Hamdani, Founding Director of the Global Institute of Human Development at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, and Dr. Malik Muhammad Safi from the Ministry, the urgent need for a coordinated government approach to address mental health issues was underscored.

According to the Press Information Department, Dr. Hamdani briefed the Federal Minister on the current mental health landscape in Pakistan, highlighting that mental disorders have become the leading cause of Years Lived with Disability in the nation. The proposed roadmap aims to strengthen the national mental health system by addressing social determinants and integrating mental health into various sectors.

The Minister directed the creation of a National Mental Health Data Dashboard in collaboration with the National Institute of Health to support evidence-based decision-making. Furthermore, he instructed coordination with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to develop mandatory mental health certification programs for healthcare professionals. Telemedicine centers under the Ministry will also integrate mental health services as part of this initiative.

Additionally, the Minister called for a review of the legislative and regulatory framework to introduce mandatory mental health competency certification for practitioners. Emphasizing the Government’s commitment, he urged the finalization of the National Mental Health Policy and preparations for World Mental Health Day 2026 to promote equitable mental healthcare across the country.