Brain health must be a national priority, say experts

Integrated care, improved early diagnosis, and efforts to end stigma urged amid growing neurological crisis

IV Report

KARACHI: Mental health experts have expressed serious concern over the growing burden of brain diseases in Pakistan and called on federal and provincial governments to prioritise the integration of qualified medical practitioners, health infrastructure, and community-level interventions to address the challenge.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Neurology Awareness and Research Foundation (NARF) at the Karachi Press Club on July 17—ahead of World Brain Day (July 22)—the experts warned that the country lacks adequate neurological centres, early diagnostic systems, and public awareness about brain-related disorders.

They emphasised that the shortage of neuro and psychiatric specialists, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas, must be countered through policy reforms. These could include training general practitioners, family physicians, and child specialists in public health facilities to act as early screening and referral points for brain and mental health conditions across all age groups.

The session featured NARF President Prof Dr Mohammad Wasay, General Secretary Prof Dr Abdul Malik, and Dr Wajid Jawad of Dow University of Health Sciences. The theme for this year’s World Brain Day is “Brain Health and Wellbeing – A Priority for All.”

Addressing journalists, Prof Wasay said that mental health is not merely the absence of disease but the foundation of a dignified and productive life. “Unfortunately, in our society, mental illnesses are still considered a stigma, leading to patients being deprived of timely treatment,” he noted, calling mental health a basic human right that must be protected at every stage of life.

He cited key drivers of the rising disease burden, including substandard maternal and child healthcare services, poor immunisation coverage, and unchecked environmental pollution. “These issues need to be addressed holistically and through a multi-stakeholder approach,” he stressed.

While no consolidated national data exists on mental health prevalence, Prof Wasay referenced World Health Organisation estimates suggesting that around 25 million people in Pakistan suffer from some form of brain disorder. He highlighted the critical shortage of specialists—only about 450 neurologists are currently practicing in the country—and proposed that empowering primary care providers with enhanced protocols could play a major role in early detection.

Prof Malik added that approximately 43% of the global population is affected by neurological disorders, posing a serious burden on families and health systems alike. In Pakistan, he said, factors such as poor maternal health, lack of routine immunisation, and environmental toxins increase the risk of neurological conditions in children.

Dr Jawad underlined the need for a collaborative response. “Promoting mental health requires joint action by the government, healthcare professionals, awareness campaigners, and civil society,” he said.

The experts also urged the elimination of superstitions around mental illness, wider dissemination of information in simple and accessible language, and the development of affordable diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation services. They called for serious national investment in neurological research and healthcare infrastructure to curb the growing crisis.