Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Dr. Malik Ahmed Mukhtar, visited Children's National Hospital on Wednesday to advance collaboration on child and adolescent mental health as part of Pakistan's official mental health engagement mission to the United States. The visit took place alongside Pakistan's participation in the Global Mental Health Summer Institute at George Washington University and aimed to strengthen international cooperation in mental health systems and child wellbeing.
Accompanied by Dr. Syed Usman Hamdani, the Minister met with hospital leadership, including Dr. Karen Smith and Dr. Adelaide Robb. The delegation toured key facilities, including the CICU Command Center and the Sheikh Zayed Research Institute, where discussions focused on pediatric innovation, telemedicine, research, and integrated mental health services.
During strategic discussions, Dr. Mukhtar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening child and adolescent mental health through community-based services, workforce development, integration across health and education systems, and evidence-based policymaking. He emphasized that investing in the mental wellbeing of children and adolescents is critical to Pakistan's long-term social and economic development.
Both sides explored opportunities for collaboration in child and adolescent mental health services, tele-mental health, workforce training, research partnerships, and institutional cooperation. The visit underscores Pakistan's commitment to expanding global partnerships and improving access to quality mental healthcare for children, adolescents, and families.
