Mental Health Services Rooted in Primary Care: Why is this so relevant for Pakistan

Abstract

World Health Report 2001, Mental health: New Understanding, New Hop & was launched on 10th October 2001. World Health Organization devoted this first report of the 21 century to highlight the burden of mental disorders, as it is envisaged that these will present a major public health challenge in the future. The report highlights much that is already common knowledge for mental health professionals, that is mental illness is common, 1 in 4 or 25% of the population will suffer from a mental health problem during their lives. World Health Report 2001 makes ten recommendations to improve mental health with three “scenarios for action” according to varying level of national resources. The recommendations include provisions of service in primary care, involving communities and care in the community. In addition, the report emphasis the need for availability of essential psychotropic drugs, the importance of educating the public, supporting research, establishing national policies and programmes, linking with other sectors and developing human resource.