Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bokul has emphasized on increasing allocation and research activities to the National Mental Health Institute and Hospital with a view to improve the quality of mental health services. He made the remarks at the National Mental Health Institute and Hospital in the capital Agargaon on Thursday while addressing a discussion meeting. The program was held on the occasion of World Mental Health Day. Research, raising public awareness and creating skilled manpower are extremely needed to face mental diseases, he added.
He further mentioned that, it is important to ensure the hospital environment for the treatment facilities , care and rehabilitation of mental patients. Therefore, necessary steps to be taken to make the hospital a suitable place for medical services. At that time, Minister stressed that Pabna Mental Hospital will no longer be allowed to be used as a place of entertainment and necessary measure will be taken within the next 24 hours. Regarding the development of professional skills of doctors, Sakhawat Hossain said that 500 doctors have already joined and discussions are underway for their training.
State Minister for Health Dr. MA Muhit said that mental health services will be expanded to the district level as well as initiative to be taken to introduce safe counseling services in district hospitals through modern technology and internet. He however stressed the short term certificate courses introducing to enhance the doctors skills and other professionals.
The program was presided over by the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital Director Professor Dr. Saifun Nahar. Bangladesh Children Institute and Hospital Director Dr. AKM Azizul Haque and Head of the Health Emergencies Department of the WHO in Bangladesh Anthony Ashfeny were also spoke at the event.
