KARACHI: The highly anticipated two-day International Psychosocial & Psychiatric Rehabilitation Conference (PPRC) 2024 commenced with an inaugural ceremony at the Marriott Hotel, Karachi, marking a significant moment in mental health advocacy and development. The conference, hosted by Karwan-e-Hayat, focuses on the theme “Mental Health in the New Millennium” and aims to address pressing issues and advancements in psychosocial rehabilitation and psychiatry.
Inaugural highlights
The event was inaugurated by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, who applauded the efforts of the organizing committee led by Dr. Minhaj Qidwai. She emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, private institutions, and NGOs to enhance access to psychiatric care in Sindh.
During her address, Dr. Pechuho outlined the Sindh government's initiatives in the mental health sector and urged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships for sustainable progress. In recognition of her significant contributions to public health, she was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Professor Dr. Khalid Mufti delivered the keynote address, providing a thought-provoking overview of the evolution of psychiatry and its relevance in modern healthcare. Muhammad Salim, Chairman of Karwan-e-Hayat, welcomed distinguished guests, thanking them for their commitment to the field of mental health.
Pre-Conference Workshops and Day 1 Highlights
Day one of PPRC 2024 featured two pre-conference workshops that drew considerable attention:
The Value of Spirituality in Healthcare: 5S’s Approach (Systems, State, Society, Self, Spirituality): Conducted by Dr. Minhaj Qidwai, Prof. Asif Ahmed, and Prof. Dr. Kashif Ikram, the workshop explored the intersection of spirituality and healthcare.
Trauma-Informed Care: A Framework for Service Providers: Led by Prof. Salman Shahzad, Prof. Zainab Zadeh, and Ms. Sana Farooq, this session provided practical strategies for delivering compassionate, trauma-sensitive mental health care.
The conference brought together leading experts, practitioners, and policymakers to share insights, strategies, and innovative solutions for advancing mental health care.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
Day two promises to deliver enriching discussions and keynotes from renowned speakers. The day will begin with a lecture by Professor Dr. Uzma Ali on “Youth and Adolescents Mental Health: Special Reference to Substance Use Prevention,” followed by presentations on themes such as:
• Mental health policy and legislation
• The impact of technology on mental health
• Mental health awareness and stigma reduction
• The role of spirituality in mental health
• Emerging trends in self-care and wellness
About PPRC 2024
The second edition of the Psychosocial & Psychiatric Rehabilitation Conference is a landmark event for mental health professionals, advocating for progressive mental health practices in the face of global challenges. With a strong focus on policy reform, awareness, and innovative care solutions, the conference aims to set new standards in the field of psychosocial and psychiatric rehabilitation.