Islamabad – Mental health care in Pakistan is being transformed through an innovative university-led training program that equipped 122 General Physicians (GPs) to deliver mental health services at the community level. Over the past year, these trained GPs screened 2,822 patients, revealing that 83% exhibited depressive symptoms and 68% suffered from anxiety, as shared during the 24th International Psychiatric Conference at Serena Hotel, Islamabad.

This milestone initiative, led by the Global Institute of Human Development (GIHD) and the Department of Family Medicine at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU), in collaboration with the Central Institute of Family Physicians, trains GPs to provide early identification and treatment for mental health problems. Severe cases are referred to trained psychiatrists for advanced care and rehabilitation.

Dr. Shabana Saleem, Director General Health, commended the program for addressing the critical shortage of psychiatrists in Pakistan, stating, “Mental health issues are on the rise, yet we have less than 1,000 trained psychiatrists. Training GPs is a commendable and necessary initiative.” She also emphasized the Ministry of NHSRC’s efforts, including launching mental health helplines and partnering with STMU.

Dr. Syed Usman Hamdani, Founding Director of GIHD-STMU, presented the program’s outcomes:
341 family physicians trained in UHC-based mental health care
Over 10,000 patients screened and treated in the last 24 months
A scalable model to bridge the mental health treatment gap

He added, “This program demonstrates the pivotal role universities can play in developing innovative healthcare delivery models. Scaling up such initiatives across Pakistan is essential for the effective implementation of Universal Health Coverage.”

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Khan, Vice-Chancellor, STMU, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Amir, Dean Faculty of Health Sciences, STMU, lauded the GIHD initiative, stating, “This model can revolutionize mental health care and should be adopted by other universities and provincial governments.”

Dr. Zafar Mirza, Former SAPM, termed the training program a “game-changer”, stressing, “Without mental well-being, Universal Health Coverage cannot advance. The university-led model established by GIHD serves as a blueprint for low-income countries to bridge the mental health treatment gap.”

Prof. Fareed Minhas, Professor of Psychiatry at GIHD-STMU, highlighted the persistent brain drain of psychiatrists, noting, “GPs are the backbone of Pakistan’s healthcare system. Training them to handle mental health issues is crucial since most patients initially approach them.”

Prof. Saima Pervaiz, Family Physician, emphasized the importance of GPs in addressing mental health issues within families, especially among women, children, and the elderly. She remarked, “The overwhelming response to this program shows why other universities should adopt this model.”

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to over 100 GPs who completed year-long training in UHC Benefit Package-based mental health care. These physicians are now incorporating evidence-based mental health interventions into their clinical practice, paving the way for Universal Health Coverage for Mental Health in Pakistan.

This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration among universities, government, and international organizations in strengthening healthcare systems and addressing Pakistan’s growing mental health burden.