Sindh Mental Health Authority (SMHA) successfully concluded a significant seminar titled ‘Mental Health Awareness for a Sound Functioning Business and Corporate Sector Entity’ at Federation House in Karachi. The event brought leading experts in mental health, academia, and the corporate sector to discuss the critical importance of mental well-being in fostering a productive and thriving workforce. It was attended by Dr. Suresh Kumar, Ex-Secretary Health, Dr. Syed Zafar Mehdi, Secretary SMHA, Dr. Ajmal Mughal, Prof. Qudsia Tariq, UoK, Prof. Sobia Aftab, ICP UoK, Prof. Akbar Soomro, Dr. Ismail Memon, Mr. Aftab Memon, Mr. Muhammad Irshad, Mr. Majid Solangi and others.
Senator Dr. Karim Ahmed Khawaja, Chairman of the SMHA provided valuable insights and highlighted the importance of crucial discussions on mental health within the workplace. He expressed gratitude to all the esteemed speakers and participants for their valuable contributions.
Dr. Khalid Hussain Shaikh, Chairman, Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) discussed the need for better collaboration between healthcare providers and the corporate sector to address mental health challenges. He also emphasized the importance of integrating mental health education into academic curricula. how important it is to have affordable mental healthcare services in the workplace as it is integral in improving employee well-being.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor, Tony Buzan Academy London, UK gave video message. Meritorious Prof. Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, Dean of Tony Buzan Academy London UK, presented research findings on the psychological factors impacting employee engagement and productivity. Prof. Dr. Chooni Lal, Head of the Psychiatry Department at JPMC discussed the process of identification and management of common mental health conditions prevalent in the workplace. Prof. Uzma Ali, Director of the Institute of Clinical Psychology at the University of Karachi, shed light on the psychological impact of workplace stress and burnout on employee well-being. Dr. Kiran Bashir, Principal and HoD, Institute of Professional Psychology (IPP), Bahria University, outlined the availability and accessibility of mental health services in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and reduced stigma. Dr. Zahid Hasan Ansari, Convener of the FPCCI National Standing Committee for Health and Medical Sciences, Karachi, discussed the business case for investing in employee mental health, highlighting the positive impact on productivity, innovation, and employee retention. Brig (r) Dr. Shoaib Ahmed, Executive Director, A.Q Khan Centre IBS, Dow University, shared best practices in creating a mentally supportive and inclusive work environment, emphasizing the importance of leadership commitment and employee empowerment.
The seminar covered a wide range of topics, including the impact of mental health on employee productivity, engagement, and innovation; strategies for creating a mentally supportive and inclusive work environment, such as flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs, and mental health awareness campaigns; the role of leadership in promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma; the importance of mental health literacy and training programs for employees and managers; and the business case for prioritizing employee mental health and its return on investment.
One participant, a corporate leader or HR professional, stated, “This seminar has been an eye-opener. The insights shared by the experts have provided us with valuable tools and strategies to improve the mental well-being of our employees.”
SMHA Authority remains committed to promoting mental health awareness and improving mental healthcare services across Sindh.