PESHAWAR: Caretaker Chief Minister Azam Khan inaugurated the first Institute of Mental Health Sciences in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa here on Thursday.

The establishment of the institute has incurred a total cost of Rs2.52 billion, making it the first of its kind and unique in the province.

The institute will feature an emergency unit, OPD, ICU, psychiatric unit, family counselling, and a rehabilitation centre, among other facilities.

Initially, the institute has started offering OPD services, with the implementation of other services to be carried out in stages.

As the guest of honour, the chief minister addressed the inaugural ceremony and emphasised that the establishment of the institute in Peshawar was a significant milestone.

He said that their was a pressing need for such an institution and added that this state-of-the-art institute will provide facilities for the treatment of mental illnesses and all services related to mental health.

The chief minister also highlighted that the facility will offer treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Additionally, he mentioned that a separate board will be established to ensure efficient management of the institute.

He expressed concern about the growing global prevalence of mental illnesses and noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with the entire country, faced this challenge.

The chief minister stated that the establishment of the institute serves as a gift to individuals afflicted with mental illnesses.

Furthermore, he revealed that various courses related to mental health sciences will be offered at the facility.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2023