ISLAMABAD: Initiating efforts against malpractice and the lack of regulation in mental health facilities, the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) signed a letter of intent with a civil society organisation.

A statement issued on Friday said the NCHR and Taskeen would be working together on mental health and human rights, including mental health promotion and advocacy. They planned to work to improve the regulation of mental health services to ensure that patients were protected and their rights also upheld.

The two sides would also launch a public advocacy campaign to promote mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental health at community, provincial and national levels. They would also be publishing a report on the state of mental health services and facilities in Pakistan and provide policy recommendations to lawmakers.

NCHR Chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha expressed concern about malpractice and the lack of regulation in mental health in Pakistan. “People suffering from ill mental health are already vulnerable, and are then further taken advantage of by unqualified practitioners who then do more harm than good,” she said.

NCHR said poverty, war, compromised education, ill-health and gender inequality were both a cause and consequence of poor mental health in Pakistan. Estimates showed that approximately a quarter of Pakistanis suffered from mental health disorders and over 80 per cent of those remain untreated.

According to the NCHR, individuals suffering from mental health conditions are often unable to advocate for themselves or access mental health treatment and services, especially if they are unable to utilise their full mental capacities. Those with mental health conditions are also particularly vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse.

International human rights norms have incorporated mental health as a human rights issue, the NCHR said, adding: “The annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights explains that those who suffer from invisible disabilities like mental health conditions are also far more likely to suffer from declining physical health. Their life expectancy is 15-20 years less than the general population.”

The NCHR chairperson said Pakistan has no comprehensive mental health plan or effective mental health policy.

“While the provinces have Mental Health Acts, they remain unimplemented. Currently, there is no mental health legislation in Islamabad. Mental health establishments, facilities and practitioners remain unregulated and unchecked,” she said.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2022