Dear All,
Namaste,

It is my immense pleasure to welcome you to the digital platform of the Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal (PAN). Since its inception, PAN has remained committed to the goal of improving the mental well-being of Nepalese citizens.

The field of psychiatry in Nepal is evolving rapidly. We have transitioned from a handful of practitioners to a robust community of professionals dedicated to high-quality clinical care, academic research, and advocacy.

Our profession stands at a pivotal moment. While we are witnessing rising awareness among the public, we still face immense challenges: a significant treatment gap, especially in rural areas; persistent social stigma; and the urgent need to address professional stress and burnout among psychiatrists. With only about 274 psychiatrists serving a population of 30 million, the workload and expectations on our shoulders are substantial.

During our tenure, we will move forward together with the following priorities:

1. Strengthening Our Voice: We will act as a unified and principal spokesperson to the government, advocating for increased budget allocation and the establishment of a dedicated mental health division within the Ministry of Health.

2. Expanding Rural Access: We will support initiatives to integrate mental health into primary care, ensuring that even the most remote health posts have access to essential psychotropic medications and trained support.

3. Academic and Professional Excellence: We will continue to build on the success of CMEs, PANCON, and the Journal of PAN, fostering a culture of research and evidence-based practice that addresses the specific needs of the Nepalese population.

4. Subspecialty Development: The development of subspecialties in psychiatry is an emerging need in Nepal, driven by the increasing burden of mental health conditions and growing demand for specialized care. This will also create new opportunities for the younger generation of psychiatrists.

5. Member Welfare: Protecting the professional security and well-being of our psychiatrists is a cornerstone of our agenda.

6. Intersectoral Coordination: We will strengthen collaboration with other organizations working in the field to uplift psychiatry in Nepal.

I invite all professionals, stakeholders, and the public to join hands with us. Together, we can build a future where mental health is a priority, stigma is a thing of the past, and everyone has access to the support they need to live a fulfilling life. This will help make psychiatry one of the most respected medical professions in our society and ensure that no Nepali has to suffer from mental illness in silence.

“Jai PAN, Jai Nepal!”
Prof. Dr. Sandip Subedi
President