Currently, there are a total of 140 psychiatrists in Sindh while twenty districts of the province have no psychiatrist – Dr. Karim Khawaja

Psychiatrists conducted checkup of more than 700 patients at a one-day free psychiatry medical camp held in Sehwan

Sehwan, Sindh

Chairman, Sindh Mental Health Authority (SMHA) Dr. Karim Ahmed Khawaja has said that the province faces dearth of professionals in the field of psychiatry.

“Currently, there are a total of 140 psychiatrists in Sindh while twenty districts of the province have no psychiatrist,” he told media persons at a one-day free psychiatric medical camp organized by Sindh Mental Health Authority (SMHA) on February 22, 2024 at Syed Abdullah Shah Institute of Medical Sciences (SASIMS) Sehwan.

“The government has been making efforts to appoint the psychiatrists in each district but the required professionals are not available.”

“There exists a wide scope in this this field, and the young people should come forward and make their career in the field of psychiatry,” he advised.

According to him, mental disorders of different nature prevailed in this part of province which had been affected severely due to natural calamities like floods.

Meanwhile, the specialist doctors conducted checkup of more than 700 patients, including men, women, aged persons and children at the camp organized with the support of Sir Cowasji Jahangir Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Hyderabad (SCJIP&BS), Syed Abdullah Shah Institute of Medical Sciences (SASIMS), Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Psychology Department, Sindh University, District Health Office Jamshoro, Health Department, District Administration & District Council Jamshoro.

This initiative aimed to address the pressing mental health challenges faced by the community. First time this psychiatric camp was organized in Sehwan.

During the camp, a team consisting of Associate Prof. Dr. Jameel Junejo, Dr. Qazi Humayun Rashid, Dr. Nelofar Memon, Dr. Humma Agha, Dr. Sumaira Channa, Dr. Rizwan Inayat, Dr. Subash, Dr. Zeeshan, Dr. Muhammad Ali, Dr. Neelkanth, conducted checkup of more than 700 patients, including men, women, aged persons and children.

The experts provided comprehensive mental health assessments and treatment recommendations, ensuring that each individual receives the personalized care they required and distributed essential free medicines (for approximately 2 x 3 weeks).

These medications were distributed to the camp attendees based on individual prescriptions, helping to alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

At the Psychiatry Camp Director SASIMS Dr. Moin Siddique welcomed the Senator Dr. Karim Ahmed Khawaja, Chairman Sindh Mental Health Authority, Dr. Zafar Mehdi, Secretary SMHA and doctors’ team. Deputy Commissioner Jamshoro also visited the camp. Aftab Memon, Director, Majid Khan Solangi, and Faisal Umrani of SMHA also participated in all the activities.

Dr. Karim Khawaja appreciated the efforts of Director SASIMS, Dr. Hameed Bandani, Medical Superintendent, SCJIP Dr. Nisar Soho, all doctors team including Dr. Jameel Junejo, Dr. Qazi Humayoun, Latif Khawaja, Dr. Rashid Ali Khoso, Dr. Prem Malhi, and Administration of SASIMS.

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Published under International Cooperation with "Sindh Courier"