KARACHI: Participants in a programme held to increase public awareness of mental health issues were informed that the Sindh Mental Health Act needed a few weeks to be fully implemented as its rules and regulations had been finalised and were expected to be signed by the competent authority soon.

This was stated by Dr Haroon Ahmed, a key campaigner for the cause while speaking at the programme titled ‘Living with schizophrenia’ organised by the Mental Health Forum — a conglomerate of several non-governmental organisations.

The programme was organised at the Arts Council and comprised of screening of documentaries, one-act play, introduction to relevant literature and motivational speeches.

Dr Ahmed said depression formed five per cent of the mental health problems, but minor depressions ratio was a staggering up to 40pc.

He said mental problems in the country were getting severe because of exacerbating socioeconomic problems.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2014

Opinion

Rule by law

Rule by law

‘The rule of law’ is being weaponised, taking on whatever meaning that fits the political objectives of those invoking it.

Editorial

Isfahan strikes
Updated 20 Apr, 2024

Isfahan strikes

True de-escalation means Israel must start behaving like a normal state, not a rogue nation that threatens the entire region.
President’s speech
20 Apr, 2024

President’s speech

PRESIDENT Asif Ali Zardari seems to have managed to hit all the right notes in his address to the joint sitting of...
Karachi terror
20 Apr, 2024

Karachi terror

IS urban terrorism returning to Karachi? Yesterday’s deplorable suicide bombing attack on a van carrying five...
X post facto
Updated 19 Apr, 2024

X post facto

Our decision-makers should realise the harm they are causing.
Insufficient inquiry
19 Apr, 2024

Insufficient inquiry

UNLESS the state is honest about the mistakes its functionaries have made, we will be doomed to repeat our follies....
Melting glaciers
19 Apr, 2024

Melting glaciers

AFTER several rain-related deaths in KP in recent days, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority has sprung into...