‘Communities can be empowered through mental healthcare services’
Srinagar, Sep 25: In a step towards strengthening mental health infrastructure and community outreach, a conference titled “Access to Mental Healthcare Services in the Community” was held under the leadership of renowned Psychiatrist Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Margoob, Founder of SAWAB, in collaboration with the Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS).
The conference brought together a distinguished array of mental health professionals, public health experts, community leaders, and NGO representatives, all committed to transforming mental healthcare into a community-driven, accessible, and stigma-free service.
The event was graced by Dr. Fazl Wani Parrey, Principal, SKIMS Medical College, as Chief Guest, and Dr. Afsana Anjum, Deputy Director, Health Services Kashmir, as Guest of Honour. Dr. Suhail Maqbool, representing the Founder of VMS, also shared valuable insights.
The keynote was delivered by Professor Ashok Malla, an international authority on community mental health, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at McGill University and Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Canada. Professor Malla emphasized the urgent need for localized, culturally appropriate, and sustained models of community-based mental health care.
Experts deliberated upon different aspects of Mental Heath and community outreach, include Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Margoob, Founder, SAWAB,Prof. Arshad Hussain, Professor of Psychiatry, IMHANS-K,Dr. Abdul Majid, Professor of Psychiatry, SKIMS Medical College, Dr. Zaid Ahmad Wani, Professor of Psychiatry,Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Professor of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar,Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Bhat, Professor of Community Medicine, SKIMS Medical College,Dr. Abdul Majid Ganai, Former Professor of Community Medicine, SKIMS,Dr. Nizamuddin, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, SKIMS Medical Collegen,Dr. Imtiaz Mansoor, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, SAWAB, Dr. Majid Shafi, State Nodal Officer, Mental Health, Dr. Bushra Imtiaz, Consultant Psychiatrist, SAWAB,Dr. Deeba Nazir, Consultant Psychiatrist, Tele-MANAS, IMHANS,Miss Aeiman, Clinical Psychologist and Coordinator, SAWAB, Dr. Mir Masood, Resident, Dept. of Psychiatry, SKIMS Medical College
Discussions focused on gaps in existing mental healthcare delivery, integrating services into primary care, early intervention, and strengthening community resilience.
Leading NGOs also played a key role, with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), represented by Janna Rokka, and Chinar International, represented by Javed Hajam, showcasing innovative community-based psychosocial interventions for underserved populations.
The event drew an enthusiastic and diverse audience—community leaders, educators, healthcare workers, students, media professionals, and social activists—who expressed strong commitment to supporting inclusive mental health initiatives.
The conference reaffirmed the resolve of SAWAB and its partners to decentralize mental healthcare, reduce stigma, and empower communities through advocacy, policy engagement, and evidence-based practices. It also underlined SAWAB’s pioneering role in bridging the treatment gap and leading the mental health movement in the region.
