Department of psych
ology International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Pakistan plans to initiate an International Diploma on Mental Health, Law and Human Rights in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO).
A meeting in this regard was organized by the WHO office for Eastern Mediterranean region (EMRO) in Cairo Egypt. The meeting was attended by eminent psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Lawyers and technical staff of the WHO office.
Dr Khalid Saeed Regional Advisor on Mental Health and Substance Abuse was the convener of the meeting, he apprised about the purpose of the meeting agenda for the three days activities.
In the Inaugural session high level WHO representatives in different layers attended the meeting. Dr Zafar Mirza Director Health Systems highlighted the importance of mental health care system as part of the whole health care organization. Dr Mirza further highlighted that this diploma can play a pivotal role in the capacity building of those working in the mental health field, and ultimately will develop skillful dynamic leadership at the institutional level.
Prof Dr Muhammad Tahir Khalily, Director Academics, IIUI the forerunner of this diploma in Pakistan presented the concept and objectives of the diploma. He further illustrated that through this diploma leadership at the organizational level could be developed to lead the mental health services in line with the international standards and best practices in the context of the law of the country and human rights norms. Furthermore, he said that through this diploma the participants/ students can be equipped with the understanding of mental illnesses, the available evidence based strategies, mental health legislation, to formulate mental health policy, to improve the rights of the people with disability and access to mental health service.
He added that it touches the policy perspective to develop distinctive leaders at organization level to play a role of the change agent in order to provide adequate and best services to the individuals already suffering from mental illnesses. Dr Aziz Ur Rahman Advisor to the President IIUI reiterated that the university leadership Prof Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh (President IIUI) and Prof Dr. Masoom Yasin Zai, Rector IIUI are committed to promote such cause and encourages such academic endeavors. He further elaborated that the Faculty of Shriah and Law will play a significant role in the mental health legislation particularly in the context of Islamic Principles.
All the nitty-gritty of the diploma was discussed in three days meeting thoroughly and all the worthy participants contributed significantly. The efforts of the Department of psychology International Islamic University was appreciated and the contribution and technical input of WHO was acknowledged. The modules were finalized with some suggestions and the availability of Faculty members which will include national and international faculty members comprising of eminent Psychiatrists, Clinical psychologists, Lawyers and Human rights professionals from different parts of the world.