BANGLADESH

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has said the foundation of sound mental health will have to be built in childhood to enhance confidence of the children.

She emphasised strengthening family bond to prevent psychic problems, which she said will ensure fearless environment and uninterrupted peace in the family as well as in society.

Hasina was speaking at the inauguration of the three-day 6th International Conference on Psychiatry and World Mental Health Day at Bangabandhu International Conference Center on Sunday.

The prime minister said creating congenial family atmosphere is necessary for the children so that they can share their health and mental problems with their parents.

Hasina added that her government has resolved bound to ensure overall healthcare facilities including mental healthcare for the people.

The government took the initiative to formulate Mental Health Act to ensure treatments for the psychological patients, she said.

The number of psychiatrists at the National Mental Institute, Pabna Mental Hospital, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and other medical college hospitals has been increased, she added.

Hasina urged the media to be more active in the fight against superstitions about mental health and wrong treatments of mental health problems.

President of Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists Mohammad Golam Rabbani presided over the function.

A total of 79 psychiatrists from abroad, including India, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, Japan, and Pakistan, are attending the conference.

Health minister A F M Ruhal Haque, health advisor to the prime minister Syed Modasser Ali and state minister for health Mujibur Rahman Fakir, among others, spoke at the function.