21/09/2025
A free psychiatric and medical camp was conducted on 20th September 2025, in the flood-affected area of Beshonai, Buner, by The Department of Psychiatry Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, under the kind guidance of Professor Dr. Aftab Alam Khan, in collaboration with Pakistan Psychiatric Society, to provide essential Psychiatric and general medical services to the local community. The team visited included psychiatrists, psycholologists and medical students and the camp's activities included free psychiatric and medical check-ups, the distribution of psychiatric and general (including the essential multivitamins and other basic medicines) medicines and the application of psychological interventions.
The camp proved to be productive and benefited the community, which has been coping with the aftermath of the disaster. A dedicated team of psychiatrists and psychologists addressed the mental health fallout from the disaster. Many individuals presented with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychological interventions, including counseling and psycho-education, were provided to help people cope with their trauma, loss and displacement. Beyond just diagnosis and medication, the camp prioritized psychological support. The interventions focused on stress management techniques and coping mechanisms, empowering individuals with practical tools to navigate their emotional distress. The holistic approach adopted there, is crucial for long-term recovery and resilience.
The camp was a success in providing relief to the local community and the community and social workers working with the community there, were very grateful and appreciated the efforts put in by the team.
These camps are not just about distributing medicines; they are about restoring hope and demonstrating solidarity. They show the affected communities that they are not alone and forgotten and that there are people dedicated to helping them rebuild their lives.
