Mental health remains a neglected and overlooked issue in Bangladesh. In a country of 172 million people, there are fewer than 350 psychiatrists. This means just one psychiatrist serves roughly 500,000 individuals. The situation is difficult to fathom.
By comparison, England, with a population of about 69 million, has approximately 6,300 psychiatrists-one for every 11,000 people. This stark contrast underscores the alarming shortage of mental health professionals in Bangladesh.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one in eight people globally suffers from mental health conditions. Applying this ratio to Bangladesh suggests that over 20 million individuals are dealing with such issues. Yet the country has only one psychiatrist for every 60,000 patients, whereas in England, the ratio is one per 1,500. These are not just numbers-they reveal a profound humanitarian crisis.
The severity of the situation in Bangladesh is driven not only by a shortage of trained professionals but also by persistent societal misconceptions. Many people still equate mental illness with "madness," which fuels shame and fear. As a result, individuals often conceal their conditions to avoid judgment or ridicule.
There is also a lack of awareness. Many Bangladeshis do not recognise that mental illnesses are legitimate and treatable. Instead, symptoms are frequently attributed to supernatural causes, leading families to seek help from faith healers rather than medical experts.
Mental healthcare services are extremely limited, particularly in rural areas where they are nonexistent. Even in cities, access is sparse. The national health budget consistently fails to prioritise mental health, keeping resources and services inadequate. Compounding the problem is the lack of understanding and empathy within families and communities. Rather than offering support, those suffering from mental disorders are often blamed or dismissed, pushing them further into isolation.
To change this grim reality, Bangladesh must urgently promote awareness and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. It is essential to increase the number of trained psychiatrists and ensure that mental health receives greater attention in medical education. Mental health services must also be integrated into the broader healthcare system, especially at the primary care level, to make them accessible to all.
Above all, it must be recognised that mental health is not a luxury-it is a fundamental human right. As the WHO aptly puts it, "Mental health is not merely the absence of disease. It is fundamental to overall health."
If Bangladesh is to avoid a deepening humanitarian crisis, the time to act is now.
Dr. Sayed Inam
Associate Professor, Psychiatry
drsaayedinam@yahoo.com
