Minister of State for Health Dr. Mukhtar Bharath has arrived in the United States to promote global cooperation on child and adolescent mental health, where he is participating in the Global Mental Health Summer Institute being held at George Washington University.
According to the Ministry of Health spokesperson, the Minister of State visited Children’s National Hospital, where he was received by senior hospital officials. During the visit, he also toured the hospital’s Command Center and the Sheikh Zayed Research Institute. Dr. Usman Hamdani accompanied him during the visit.
During the tour, the Minister of State was briefed on advanced healthcare facilities, digital health systems, telemedicine and modern approaches to pediatric treatment. Later, a special meeting on child and adolescent mental health was held, during which detailed discussions took place on early diagnosis, integrated treatment, promotion of mental health at the school level and community based services.
Dr. Mukhtar Bharath said that Pakistan and the United States have agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of child mental health, research, tele mental health and training programs. He said that investing in children’s mental health is extremely important for the country’s social and economic future and that a National Mental Health Policy is being introduced to strengthen the mental health system in Pakistan.
He emphasized that including mental health among public health priorities is the need of the hour. He added that the mental well being of children and adolescents can be improved by promoting counseling services in schools, training teachers and launching awareness programs for parents.
