Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Ufone launched a nationwide maternal mental health initiative on Mother’s Day 2026. The programme offers free psychiatric consultations to mothers across Pakistan through the UPTCL app. The campaign, titled #MoreSupportForMothers, marks the first large-scale mental health initiative by Pakistan’s telecom industry focused on maternal care. For this initiative, the companies partnered with Oladoc, one of Pakistan’s leading digital healthcare platforms. As a result, mothers can now connect with certified psychiatrists at no cost. According to the announcement, mothers can access consultations through the UPTCL app on Android and iOS devices. Moreover, the service requires no referrals or prior diagnosis. Officials said the initiative aims to address Pakistan’s growing maternal mental health crisis through digital connectivity and easier access to care. “Today, there is somewhere to turn. A real resource. A real professional. A real conversation,” the statement said. Meanwhile, the companies also released a digital video campaign highlighting the emotional struggles many mothers face after childbirth. Pakistan faces severe mental health gap According to figures shared by PTCL and Ufone, postpartum depression affects nearly 40% of Pakistani mothers. Health experts say the rate is among the highest in Asia and well above the global average. At the same time, Pakistan faces a shortage of mental health professionals. The country has only 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, mental health spending accounts for just 0.4% of total healthcare expenditure. The companies stated that nine out of ten Pakistanis who need mental health support receive no professional care. Women in rural districts and smaller cities face even greater challenges. In many cases, mobility restrictions, limited healthcare facilities and social stigma stop mothers from seeking help. “Mental health in Pakistan has long been underfunded, understaffed, and overlaid with stigma,” the statement said. Through this initiative, PTCL and Ufone aim to extend healthcare access beyond major cities such as Karachi and Lahore. Connectivity transformed into care PTCL and Ufone said the programme reflects their long relationship with Pakistani families and communities. The telecom operators stated that their networks carried “the calls that has crossed distances, the messages that kept people close, and the connections that made the country feel smaller.” Company officials described the initiative as an effort to turn connectivity into practical healthcare support for mothers. In addition, the partnership with Oladoc gives users access to verified psychiatrists through a nationwide digital platform. Healthcare experts say online consultation services can reduce barriers to mental healthcare in Pakistan. Therefore, the initiative could particularly benefit women who cannot easily access in-person treatment. PTCL and Ufone acknowledged that the programme alone would not solve Pakistan’s wider mental health challenges. However, they stressed that immediate support for struggling mothers remains urgent and achievable. Furthermore, analysts believe the campaign could encourage more companies to invest in mental health awareness and digital healthcare services across Pakistan.