Mental health services to reach 500 upazilas: Muhit

State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit said on Tuesday that the government plans to expand community mental health services to 500 upazilas, beginning with a pilot programme in 20 upazilas.

He made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Social Mental Health: A Stepping Stone to Inclusive Social Welfare” at the Bangla Academy, marking World Mental Health Day.  He said the initiative would link the National Institute of Mental Health in Dhaka and the mental hospital in Pabna with healthcare facilities at district and upazila levels.

Muhit stressed the need for trained professionals in rural areas and proposed two- or three-year vocational diploma and technical courses to address the shortage. He said a mid-level workforce could provide counselling and psychological support under the National Skills Development Authority framework.

He also called for greater coordination among ministries responsible for social welfare, women and children affairs, and law to protect the rights of people experiencing mental health conditions.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Employment Syed Bin Abdullah and former Health and Family Welfare Ministry secretary Saidur Rahman also spoke at the seminar. Aanchal Foundation, the Human Rights Development Centre and LIDO jointly organised the event.