Mental health services must be integrated into primary healthcare: Experts

Mental health experts and campaigners have called for integrating mental health services into primary healthcare, recruiting skilled professionals, and eliminating social stigma and discrimination to bring mental healthcare to people’s doorsteps.

They said mental health should not be treated solely as a medical issue but also addressed through social protection, family support, human dignity, and rehabilitation.

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The calls came at a seminar titled, “Community Mental Health: A Pathway to Inclusive Social Welfare”, at the Bangla Academy in Dhaka today, marking World Mental Health Day 2026.

Anchol Foundation, Human Rights Development Centre (HRDC), Local Education and Economic Development Organisation (LEEDO), and Palli Ekota Unnayan Sangstha (RUDO) jointly organised the event.

State Minister for Health MA Muhit said mental health care must go beyond treatment to encompass prevention, early detection, medical care, psychosocial support, rehabilitation and social reintegration.

The government is preparing a project to provide community-level mental health services, he said, adding that it plans to launch a pilot programme in several upazilas to identify practical lessons and challenges before gradually expanding the services nationwide.

An effective workforce structure and long-term planning are essential to make mental healthcare accessible, affordable, and inclusive, he added.

The state minister also stressed that meaningful progress would not be possible if mental health remained solely the responsibility of the health ministry.

Coordinated efforts involving the ministries of health, social welfare, women and children affairs, and law, among other stakeholders, are needed to ensure comprehensive services, he added.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Employment Md Saiyed Bin Abdullah, BNP lawmaker Shirin Sultana, Deputy Attorney General Syeda Shazia Sharmin, and Dhaka University Clinical Psychology Department Professor Kamal Uddin Ahmed attended the seminar as special guests.

Former health secretary Saidur Rahman chaired the event.