Health officials stress research to address mental health crisis

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has called for increased funding for the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital (NIMH) to improve mental healthcare and expand research.

“Alongside treatment, importance should be given to research, raising public awareness and developing skilled manpower to address the growing prevalence of mental illnesses,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a discussion as chief guest at the NIMH in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Thursday morning, marking World Mental Health Day.

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit attended the programme as the special guest.
Sakhawat said Pabna Mental Hospital would no longer be allowed to serve as a recreational venue and that necessary measures would be taken within the next 24 hours.

He stressed the need to ensure a suitable environment at the hospital for treating, caring for and rehabilitating people with mental health conditions. Steps would be taken to make the facility appropriate for providing healthcare services, he added.

On doctors’ professional development, the minister said 500 doctors had already joined. Discussions were underway with China, Turkey and Pakistan to arrange training for them, he said.

He also announced plans to introduce advanced robotic surgery facilities in the country.

Speaking at the event, State Minister Dr Muhit described research as an investment rather than an expense in addressing the mental health crisis. He called for adequate national funding for large-scale research in the sector.

Muhit said mental healthcare services would be expanded to district level rather than remaining concentrated in Dhaka.

Initiatives would be taken to introduce secure counselling services at district hospitals using modern technology and the internet, allowing people to consult specialist doctors from their homes, he added.

The state minister also stressed the need for short-term certificate courses to improve the skills of healthcare professionals other than doctors.

National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital Director Professor Dr Saifun Nahar chaired the programme.

Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute Director Professor Dr Mirza Md Ziaul Islam and World Health Organization Health Emergencies Department Chief in Bangladesh Dr Anthony Eshofonie also attended the event.