16pc adult, 18pc juvenile suffer from mental health disorders in Bangladesh

Some 16.05 per cent of Bangladesh's adult population (Aged 18 and above) are suffering from mental health disorders.

However, in case of children and juvenile (aged bellow 18) this percentage more at 18.40 per cent.

Associate Prof Dr Mekhla Sarker of the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital (NIMH) stated these at a seminar on Sunday while presenting her keynote paper at the conference room of the NIMH in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area, reports UNB.

She referred to two joint surveys carried out by NIMH and the United Nations World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2005 and 2009.

She said there are only 230 expert psychiatrists in the country which is only 0.073 per cent against 100,000 people. Mekhla Sarker said the number of bed in hospitals is only 0.58 against the same number.

In her keynote presentation, Meghla also underscored the need for more mental growth of the youths.

Health Minister Md Nasim was present as the chief guest in the seminar organised by Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists (BAP).

Chaired by BAP president Prof Dr Md Waziul Alam Chowdhury, the seminar was also addressed, among others, by president of Shadhinota Chikitshok Parishad (SACHIP) Prof Dr M Iqbal Arsnal, its general secretary Prof Dr MA Aziz and Director of the NIMH Prof Dr Faruque Alam.