Pakistan seeks child mental health collaboration with US hospital
WASHINGTON D.C., June 3 (ABC): Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr Malik Ahmed Mukhtar visited Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C. to explore collaboration in child and adolescent mental health and strengthen international partnerships in healthcare.
The visit was part of Pakistan’s participation in the Global Mental Health Summer Institute at George Washington University and broader efforts to enhance cooperation in mental health systems and child wellbeing.
Dr Malik Ahmed Mukhtar was accompanied by Dr Syed Usman Hamdani, Founding Director of the Global Institute of Human Development (GIHD), Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at George Washington University.
The Pakistani delegation was received by Dr Karen Smith, Executive Medical Director for Global Services, and Dr Adelaide Robb, Division Chief of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s National Hospital.
During the visit, the delegation toured various facilities of the hospital, including the CICU Command Center, where officials discussed the use of telemedicine and digital technologies in improving healthcare delivery and clinical coordination.
The delegation also visited the Sheikh Zayed Research Institute and received briefings on advancements in pediatric healthcare research, medical engineering and innovation.
A detailed meeting was held to discuss opportunities for cooperation in child and adolescent mental health services. The discussions focused on integrated behavioral healthcare, early intervention strategies, multidisciplinary treatment models and strengthening mental health systems.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Malik Ahmed Mukhtar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to improving child and adolescent mental health through stronger coordination between health and education sectors, expansion of community-based services, workforce development and evidence-based policymaking.
He said investing in the mental wellbeing of children and adolescents was vital for the country’s long-term social and economic progress.
The delegation also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to advance the National Mental Health Policy and strengthen partnerships aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage for Mental Health.
The discussions covered a range of priority areas, including school-based mental health programmes, support for vulnerable populations and addressing mental health challenges arising from climate-related impacts.
Both sides explored possibilities for future cooperation in child and adolescent mental health services, tele-mental health initiatives, workforce training, research partnerships and sustained institutional engagement.
The visit reflects Pakistan’s efforts to build international partnerships and improve access to quality mental healthcare services for children, adolescents and families.