Pakistan’s mental health crisis

Shortages of psychiatrists and continuing social stigma mean many mental illnesses remain untreated.

Pakistan Mental Health

Ten to 16 per cent of Pakistanis suffer from moderate mental illnesses, according to the World Health Organisation. One per cent suffer from more severe conditions.

But the country severely lacks adequate numbers of psychiatrists and psychologists, with a ratio of severely-ill patients to doctors of 2,000 to 1.

Additionally, the social stigma associated with mental illness prevents many people from seeking treatment at all.

Al Jazeera’s Imtiaz Tyab reports from Lahore.

Source: Al Jazeera

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