'62pc psychiatric patients visit traditional healers'
With 16.1 percent of the country's adult population suffering from psychological disorders the government allocates only 0.44 percent for mental health in the budget, said speakers at a programme yesterday.
The study on 'Mental health and chronic physical illness: the need for continued and integrated care' also found that around 18 percent of Dhaka children are affected by mental illnesses.
The programme was organised by Bangladesh Clinical Psychology Society and Clinical Psychology Department of Dhaka University (DU) marking the 'World Mental Health Day 2010' at Teachers-Students Centre (TSC) of DU.
“There are eight institutions and 123 psychiatrists in the country catering to the needs of mental patients,” said Zahir Uddin, general secretary of the society while presenting the research findings.
Social stigma, discrimination and lack of awareness further escalate identification and treatment of mental illnesses.
Narrating the level of awareness about the disorder, he said a total of 62.37 percent psychiatric patients are taken to traditional healers (Kabiraj, Ojha and Hujur) by their caregivers.
Zahir, also associate professor of National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), suggested to improve the primary care services for controlling the psychiatric illness.
Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, state minister for Ministry of Women and Children Affairs; Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique, vice chancellor of DU; Dr. M Golam Rabbani, director of NIMH; noted psychiatrist Prof Mehtab Khanam; and Prof Rokeya Begum, president of Bangladesh Clinical Psychology Department were also present.
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