President calls for establishing mental healthcare infrastructure in Pakistan

President Dr Arif Alvi has expressed concern over shortage of trained human resources capable of providing first aid facilities and health services to the affectees of accidents, floods and other natural disasters.

Chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, he emphasized the need to establish mental healthcare infrastructure in Pakistan and existing mental healthcare facilities should be strengthened on an urgent basis.

The President called for launching an Artificial-Intelligence-based mobile app and web-based helpline to provide immediate counselling to persons seeking mental health-related counselling.

Dr Arif Alvi said universities should also offer Associate Degree Courses of two years in various disciplines to expeditiously meet the shortage of skilled human resources faced by the private sector.

Source: Radio Pakistan