World Mental Health Day celebrated at Fatima Jinnah Medical University

An awareness seminar was organized at Fatima Jinnah Medical University on World Mental Health Day, organized by the Department of Psychiatry, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal graced the occasion as Patron-in-Chief.

Former Health Minister Punjab Prof. Dr. Javed Akram graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Brig. Prof. Mowadat Hussain Rana, a renowned Psychiatrist of Pakistan, graced the occasion as a Guest Speaker.

The theme of World Mental Health Day is 2024, Mental Health in the Workplace. The main objective of the seminar is to make Mental Health a global priority.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal thanked Prof. Dr. Javed Akram and Brig. Prof. Dr. Mowadat Hussain Rana for gracing the seminar. Professor Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal, during his address, apprised that mental health is very effective for humanity, and it helps to live a healthy life and play a pivotal role in societies. He said that to avoid mental illness, it is necessary to establish a strong relationship with our Almighty Allah and the Quran. Timely diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses is very important. He stressed the Judicious use of social media. He appreciated the efforts of the Department of Psychiatry, Fatima Jinnah Medical University for mental health and vowed to further improve the department in the future.

Brig. Prof. Dr. Mowadat Hussain Rana highlighted various aspects related to making the best mental health facilities possible at the workplace. He said that anxiety and depression are the most common mental disorders in the world. Students should be provided with opportunities for brainstorming in the workplace and skills in everyday life. He further said to work with courage & effort and build your relationships in a better way. He congratulated the university administration on this occasion.

Prof. Javed Akram, in his address, appreciated the Student Counselling Centre set up for the students of Fatima Jinnah Medical University. He said that good institutions run with good workers. Therefore, we should improve the system to strengthen the institutions. Use social media in a positive way. If mental health deteriorates, it will also affect physical health. Cultivate an atmosphere of trust with your loved ones and friends because there is a lot of blessing in trust. Try to create a positive environment at work.

On this occasion, Principal Prof. Abdul Hameed, former Vice Chancellor Prof. Shamsa Humayun, former Dean Prof. Munazza Iqbal, Chairperson of Department of Gynecology Prof. Ayesha Malik, former Head of Department of Psychiatry General Hospital Prof. Dr. Altaf Qadir Khan, Head of Department of Psychiatry King Edward Medical University/ Punjab Institute of Mental Health Prof. Ali Madeeh Hashmi, Head of Department of Psychiatry, Gulab Devi Hospital, Dr. Muhammad Mujtaba, other faculty members, and a large number of students participated.

At the end of the seminar, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal presented the honorary shields to Prof. Dr. Javed Akram, Brig. Prof. Mowadat Hussain Rana, and other participants, followed by walk.