MENTAL HEALTHCARE ACCESS IN PAKISTAN: A CONTEMPORARY STUDY

Abstract

Mental healthcare accessibility is an issue in Pakistan which requires to investigate the underlying factors. To address this research gap, the current study was designed to explore the various barriers and facilitators influencing mental healthcare access in the country. A qualitative research was adopted and data were collected mental health care patients, families and mental healthcare providers through Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) and in depth interviews. Collected data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The various barriers comprised of limited availability of mental healthcare services, lack of trained mental healthcare providers, social stigma, and financial limitations, while the facilitators included community based initiatives (Sehat Kahani, Aman Foundation), supportive family network, and awareness programs (i.e. Umang Pakistan, Taskeen). It shows that although significant barriers to mental health care access exist in Pakistan, however, the presence of awareness programs and community-based initiatives play a vital role in bridging the gap. These efforts have not only increased awareness and reduced stigma but have also provided practical solutions to make mental health services more accessible and affordable, especially for the underserved populations in the country. However, the addressing of these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach which must not only include a wider outreach of awareness programs to educate masses about mental health which can further reduce mental health stigmas but also comprehensive efforts towards training healthcare providers and expanding mental healthcare services in the rural settings.