Mental Health Care Delivery in Pakistan: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The delivery of mental health services is a major concern in Pakistan that requires an investigation of the underlying causes. The current study was designed to investigate the various obstacles and facilitators affecting mental healthcare delivery and access in the country, to address this research gap. To gather the information, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used with mental health care professionals, mentally ill patients, and family as a part of this qualitative study. To analyze the accumulated data, thematic analysis was employed. Community-based initiatives (i.e., Umang Pakistan), awareness-based programs, different NGO’s and Foundations, support family support networks are all facilitators for the mental health services in Pakistan. There are some barriers included in the delivery of mental health services, including a lack of qualified mental health professionals, mental stigma, a shortage of mental health care centers and services, and financial constraints. It proposes that while in Pakistan, there are significant obstacles and challenges of mental health delivery, awareness campaigns, mental health-related seminars, and community-based efforts are essential for closing this gap. To improve both affordability and delivery access of mental health care services, these initiatives, like raising awareness and lessening the stigma related to mental health, have impactful ways to improve it, particularly for poor people of Pakistan. However, multi-purpose strategies, trained mental health professionals, and increased mental health care services will be provided in urban and rural areas of Pakistan to overcome these problems related to mental health delivery.