Collaborative Mental Health Initiative

On October 9, 2025, the Faculty of Pharmacy at Tishk International University, in collaboration with the Takvin Organization, successfully organized the 11th National Pharmacy Workshop in observance of World Mental Health Day. The event, held under the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” was conducted in association with the 2nd Erbil Psychomedical Event, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being while fostering strategic partnerships.

Opening Ceremony

Distinguished Welcome Addresses

  • Prof. Dr. Sultan Abu Orabi, President of Tishk International University, welcomed participants and emphasized mental health awareness importance

  • Asst. Prof. Dr. Abdulsammad Salahuddin, Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, delivered opening remarks on mental health significance

Educational Sessions

First Session Presentations

Dr. Mahmood Q. Mahmood (M.B.Ch.B., F.I.B.S., Psych.)

  • Seminar: “Conversion Disorder and Its Management”

  • Comprehensive coverage of conversion disorder diagnosis and treatment

Dr. Hiwa Zrar Jaff (M.B.Ch.B., F.I.B.M.S., Med)

  • Presentation: “Stress in the Medical Field”

  • Analysis of stress causes among healthcare professionals

  • Coping strategies and stress management techniques

Second Session Presentations

Dr. Soran Hassan Zangana (M.B.Ch.B K.B.M.S (Med))

  • Discussion: “The Role of Mental Health in Diabetes Mellitus”

  • Focus on mental health impact on chronic disease patients

  • Integrated care approaches for diabetic patients

Dr. Alan Riyadh Mohammed (M.Sc Clinical Pharmacy)

  • Seminar: “Drug Abuse and Addiction”

  • Examination of substance abuse problems and consequences

  • Evidence-based intervention and treatment approaches

Participant Engagement

Networking Opportunities

  • Coffee breaks facilitating professional interaction

  • Small activities encouraging idea exchange

  • Relaxation periods for informal discussion

  • Collaborative environment for knowledge sharing

Event Impact

The workshop successfully brought together:

  • Academics, medical doctors, and pharmacy students

  • Mental health professionals and healthcare providers

  • Participants committed to mental health awareness

  • Collaborators improving emergency mental health services

Institutional Support

This significant event was made possible through the support of:

  • University Rectorate for institutional backing

  • Asst. Prof. Dr. Abdulsamad Salahuddin, Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy

  • Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Javed Naim, Head of Pharmacy Department

The workshop represented a crucial step in advancing mental health awareness, improving service accessibility during emergencies, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in mental healthcare.

Keywords: World Mental Health Day, Pharmacy Workshop, Mental Health Services, Emergency Psychiatry, Healthcare Collaboration, Mental Health Awareness, Substance Abuse, Chronic Disease Management, Healthcare Stress