Accra:Punjab Consultant psychologist Dr. Ahmad Bilal has expressed support for the Punjab government's new mental health initiatives aimed at teachers.

According to Radio Pakistan, Dr. Bilal highlighted the significant economic impact of mental health disorders globally, noting that indirect costs, particularly from lost productivity, surpass direct healthcare expenses. He emphasized that depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy around one trillion US dollars annually.

Dr. Bilal praised the Punjab government's efforts to implement mental health training for teachers, marking a first for the province. He also commended plans to appoint visiting psychologists in each district and introduce online counseling services for students, which he believes could enhance access to mental health support.