Mental health treatment gap stands at around 95pc: WHO

By ISLAMABAD: The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that Pakistan's mental health treatment gap stands at around 95 percent, with only a small proportion of those requiring care able to access mental health services. Sharing data on the country's mental health situation during the Global Mental Health Summit, which concluded here on Friday, WHO officials said an estimated 32.4 million Pakistanis required mental healthcare. However, only around 5 percent had access to mental health services, leaving a treatment gap of approximately 95 percent. The shortage of qualified mental health professionals further compounds the problem. According to the WHO, Pakistan has approximately 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 population, compared with an average of seven per 100,000 people in high-income countries. The conference also issued 'the Islamabad Declaration for Global Mental Health,' declaring mental health a shared global responsibility. The representatives from the government assured that Pakistan stands ready to lead through action and partnership, translating its National Mental Health Policy Framework into measurable results and advancing global collaboration through the Global Alliance for Mental Health. The conference committed to moving from fragmentation to coordination; from pilots to scale; from institutions to communities; from exclusion to participation; from short-term projects to sustainable financing; and from policy promises to accountable action. 'Let the Islamabad Declaration unite us across borders with Pakistan championing mental health for all and Islamabad convening global dialogue, learning and action,' the declaration called. Minister of State for National Health Services and Regulations, Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, addressing the closing ceremony of the Pakistan Global Mental Health Summit 2026, called for coordinated and sustained action to make quality mental health services accessible to people across Pakistan. The Minister said that during the summit, national and international stakeholders had listened to evidence, partners and young people, reaffirming the vision of a Pakistan where every child, young person and adult can access mental health care close to home and where mental health services are integrated into primary healthcare and educational institutions in every province and federating area. Dr Bharath acknowledged WHO estimates regarding mental healthcare services in the country and emphasized that behind these figures are millions of people whose lives are affected by mental health conditions, and that is the gap this Summit aims to close. The Minister highlighted that mental health conditions remain a major cause of compromised health among women and a significant cause among men, while suicide continues to be a serious public health concern. He stressed that mental illness is treatable and recovery is possible with timely and accessible care. Calling for provincial ownership, the Minister requested all provinces and federating areas to provide their written endorsement within 45 days to facilitate implementation of the policy and commitments on the ground. He announced that a National Hub of Excellence would be established in collaboration with provincial partners to serve as a technical platform for translating evidence into policy, strengthening capacity and supporting the mental health workforce. Looking ahead over the next two to three years, Dr Bharath outlined three key priorities: expanding mental health services through primary and community-based care across provinces and regions; strengthening the mental health workforce, including school psychologists; and ensuring that mental health is reflected in laws, budgets, benefit packages and health data systems. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026