New appointments aim to decentralize mental health services and ensure timely care at district headquarters hospitals across the province
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has appointed 32 newly recruited psychologists under the Secondary Health Care Revamp Program in a move aimed at strengthening mental health services at the district level.
The appointment letters were distributed at a ceremony attended by Provincial Health Minister Khaliq ur Rehman, Health Secretary Shahidullah Khan, and Director General Health Services Dr. Shaheen Afridi.
According to officials, the psychologists will be deployed in District Headquarters Hospitals (DHQs) across the province to ensure the availability of timely and quality mental health care. The initiative is expected to reduce the burden on major urban centers by enabling patients to access treatment within their home districts.
Addressing the ceremony, the health minister congratulated the newly appointed professionals and urged them to perform their duties with dedication, integrity, and a strong sense of public service. He emphasized that the recruitment process was conducted transparently and strictly on merit, adding that the selected candidates had earned their positions based on their capabilities.
Highlighting the importance of mental health, the minister noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has faced decades of challenges including militancy, displacement, and natural disasters, which have contributed to a high prevalence of psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
He pointed out that a significant number of patients remain undiagnosed and untreated due to limited access to specialized care, particularly in remote areas.
Under the initiative, dedicated mental health desks will be established in DHQ hospitals, providing a structured system for patient intake, screening, and counseling in a safe and respectful environment. Special focus will be placed on facilitating women and youth, along with strengthening referral mechanisms for advanced care.
Officials also stated that data collected at the district level would support future policy-making and planning in the mental health sector.
Reaffirming its commitment, the provincial government announced plans to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign to promote mental health literacy. Religious scholars and community leaders will be engaged to help reduce stigma and encourage open dialogue around mental well-being within the province’s socio-cultural framework.
Special emphasis will be placed on youth outreach through schools, colleges, and social media platforms to ensure early awareness and intervention.
Concluding the ceremony, the health minister extended his best wishes to the newly appointed psychologists and encouraged them to uphold professional excellence, ethical standards, and a commitment to serving the public.
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