No structured mental health services for Cox’s Bazar locals; over 250,000 Rohingya received support in eight years

Bay Insight | Cox’s Bazar

On the occasion of World Health Day, a report by Bay Insight revealed a concerning picture of mental health services in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. From 2018 to February 2026, more than 240,000 Rohingya received individual counselling, while over 43,000 patients sought treatment from psychiatrists, according to data from the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which provides healthcare services to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

Health workers said the demand for mental health services among Rohingya continues to rise due to violence, displacement, and prolonged stress of camp life.

However, in contrast to this progress, there is no structured government mental health service or specialist doctor available for the local population in Cox’s Bazar, highlighting a worrying gap.

Rising demand at the start of the year

In January and February this year alone, 7,616 people received individual mental health counselling, while 3,593 sought psychiatric consultation in the camps.

Although the services are open to both Rohingya and host communities, the majority of patients are Rohingya.

A field-level counsellor, requesting anonymity, said, “New patients are coming every day. Many initially think they have physical problems, but later it turns out to be psychological.”

Long shadow of trauma

A large number of Rohingya who fled violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in 2017 continue to carry deep trauma. Uncertainty in the camps, lack of employment, and insecurity are making their mental health conditions more complex.

A resident of Kutupalong camp, using the pseudonym Rahima Begum, said, “I cannot sleep at night. Memories come back. I am always worried about my children. Sometimes I feel like I am losing my mind.”

Health workers said such experiences are no longer rare, but widespread.

Common mental health conditions

Doctors identified the most common conditions in the camps as depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and bipolar mood disorder.

Experts said effective treatment requires not only medication but also regular counselling and psychosocial support.

MSF’s integrated care model

Dr Ashish Kumar Das, Deputy Country Representative (Medical) at MSF, said, “Effective mental healthcare requires a combination of medication and structured counselling. We provide both through our mental health units.”

MSF units are staffed with trained doctors, clinical psychologists, and counsellors, ensuring evidence-based and integrated care.

Limited services for locals

However, mental health services for the local population in Cox’s Bazar remain limited. Superintendent of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, Mong Tin Nyo, said there is currently no psychiatrist and no dedicated mental health department at the hospital.

He said plans are underway to introduce a separate unit with psychiatrists and counsellors in the near future.

Local resident Jahangir Alam said, “We don’t even know where to go if we face mental health issues. Having such services in government hospitals would help us a lot.”

Challenges ahead

While progress in mental health services in the Rohingya camps is notable, many people still remain outside treatment. At the same time, the lack of adequate services for the host community remains a major challenge.

The situation in Cox’s Bazar highlights one clear message on World Health Day: mental healthcare is now an essential part of humanitarian response, especially for displaced and vulnerable populations.