LAHORE: Minister for Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Khwaja Salman Rafique says the Mental Health Authority will be activated.

“The government is contemplating to introduce necessary amendments to the relevant legislation, enacted in 2004,” the minister told newsmen after leading a walk arranged by the Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) in connection with the World Mental Health Day on Tuesday.

The minister said the treatment facilities for the mentally-ill patients were being enhanced. All the tertiary care hospitals have full-fledged psychiatry departments while psychiatrists have been posted at district headquarters level healthcare facilities to treat patients, suffering from psychological disorders.

“However, it is the collective responsibility of society to be more caring toward such patients and do not make fun of them,” said Khwaja Salman.

Positive attitude of the family and proper care of the mentally challenged and people having psychological disorders could help in amelioration of the symptoms of the disease and early recovery of the patients, he said.

Appreciating the services of doctors, nurses and paramedics of the PIMH, the minister said these health professionals were doing tremendous job by taking care of people whose blood relations do not return to inquire after them after getting them admitted to the institution.

Before the start of the walk, the minister inaugurated an exhibition of paintings and handicraft made by the inmates of the rehabilitation centre. Appreciating the artistic skills of the patients, Khwaja Salman gave Rs10,000 cash prize to them from his own pocket.

Earlier, at a seminar, PIMH Chief Executive Dr Nasir Mahmood Bhatti said his institution was providing treatment as well as rehabilitation facilities to the patients.

“Patients who start recovering are shifted to the rehabilitation centre of the PIMH where they are taught different skills according to their interest and tendency,” he said and added that the method helps these patients go back and adjust in their community after complete recovery.

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif says the state of mental health can be improved through contentment, promotion of social contacts and a simple life.

In a message issued on the World Mental Health Day, the chief minister said that due to rising poverty, lack of safety and education, the increase in number of mentally disturbed patients has been witnessed.

“Lack of mental health also affects our approach, way of thinking and social behavior; while involvement in different types of physical exercises and recreational activities motivates human mind and soul in a positive way. The purpose of celebrating World Mental Health Day is to create awareness in the people about the precautionary measures and treatment of mentally deranged patients.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2017