World Mental Health Day 2023
World Mental Health Day Observance
On October 10th, 2023, the Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) organized an awareness symposium to commemorate World Mental Health Day. This event served as a platform for experts and professionals in the field of mental health to share their insights and knowledge with a diverse audience.
The session was inaugurated by Prof. Asad Nizami, who is not only the Professor and Chairman of the Institute of Psychiatry at RMU but also holds the position of Dean of the Faculty of Psychiatry at the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP).He highlighted upon the theme that “mental health is a Universal Human Right” and stressed on the public health perspective of mental health
Distinguished Speakers
The seminar featured a lineup of renowned experts and professionals, each bringing their unique perspective and expertise to the forefront. Here is a brief overview of the esteemed speakers:
Prof. Zafar Mirza (Professor of Health Systems & Population Health at the Global Institute of Health and Development (GIHD), Shifa Tameer e Millat University, Islamabad):
Prof. Zafar Mirza specializes in health systems and population health, bringing his valuable insights into the global landscape of mental health.Prof. Shahzad Ali Khan (Vice Chancellor at Health Services Academy, Islamabad):
As the Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy, Prof. Shahzad Ali Khan plays a crucial role in shaping health education and policy, making his insights invaluable in the context of mental health awareness as a public health perspectiveProf. Atif Rahman (Professor of Global Mental Health at the University of Liverpool, UK):
Prof. Atif Rahman’s expertise in global mental health brings an international perspective to the seminar, contributing to a broader understanding of mental health issues and solutions.Prof. Tahir Kaliliy (Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad):
Prof. Tahir Kaliliy’s role as the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University offers a unique viewpoint on the social aspects of mental health and its intersections with various fields.Prof. Muhammad Umar (SI HI):
The Vice Chancellor of Rawalpindi Medical University, as the VC RMU, plays a central role in advancing healthcare and medical education in the region,including mental health initiatives.Seminar Highlights
- The awareness seminar featured in-depth discussions, informative presentations, and interactive sessions where attendees had the opportunity to engage with the speakers. The speakers covered a range of topics, including the importance of mental health in the context of global health, the role of education and social sciences, and the role of medical institutions in promoting mental well-being.
- Prof. Asad Nizami, in his opening remarks, emphasized the significance of World Mental Health Day and the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues.
- The event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to gain a deeper understanding of mental health and its broader implications for society. It served as a reminder of the ongoing commitment of the Institute of Psychiatry at Rawalpindi Medical University and its collaborators to improving mental health awareness and support in the community.
- In conclusion, the World Mental Health Day awareness seminar by the Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi Medical University, was a significant event that brought together a diverse group of experts and professionals to address the pressing issues in mental health. By sharing their insights and knowledge, the speakers contributed to the ongoing effort to promote mental well-being and reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges in society.
SCHEDULE
