JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Due to economic hardships, mental illness cases have increased in eastern Nangarhar province, an official said on Sunday.
Officials expressed concern that majority of patients suffering from mental health issues did not go to doctors and continued suffering from this problem.
Dr. Ahmad ZahirYar, head of the Nangarhar Zonal Hospital’s Psychological Department, said the number of mental illnesses has surged in the province.
Addressing a gathering marking the International Mental Health Day, he said mostly women suffered from psychological problems as they faced social and family violence.
He said these patients avoided check up from physicians due to economic hardship or cultural restrictions.
Nangarhar Health Department Director Abdul RahmanFateh said they marked the day to create awareness about mental health.
He said facilities for the treatment of mental patients were provided in Zonal Hospital as well as in district hospitals.
Samiullah, a mental health patient, said: “I went to the district hospital for treatment but there were no medicines then I to came to the zonal hospital there were also no medicine and I have to get hospitalised myself here without medicines.”
It is worth mentioning that October 10 is celebrated as World Mental Health Day annually.
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