Three Generations. One Mission. Mental Wellness.
Founded by Dr. M. Irfan, continued by Professor Dr. Naveed Irfan, and now led by Dr. Ehsen Naveed Irfan, our hospital has served as a trusted center for psychiatric care in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for decades.
With a legacy built on compassion, expertise, and innovation, we remain committed to improving lives through mental health care.
Dr. Muhammad Irfan
Founder of Irfan Neuropsychiatry & General Hospital, Mansehra.
A pioneer of psychiatry in Hazara (KPK), he broke mental health stigma with compassion and vision.
Graduated from King Edward Medical College and earned DPM in London during the 1970s.
Led Government Mental & General Hospital Dhodial as its founding psychiatrist and medical superintendent.
Mentored generations of doctors and introduced prison psychiatry in Pakistan.
His legacy lives on through his hospital, students, and family of dedicated healers.
Roots of Brilliance: Forged in the Mountains
Gilgit School: Foundations laid in the rugged North.
Matriculation Topper at Baffa High School: A glimpse of his relentless intellect is still displayed on the honor board.
FSC Excellence at Degree College Abbottabad: Secured top ranks, foreshadowing a trailblazing future.
King Edward Medical College, Lahore: Crowned “Exemplary Doctor” – a title earned through surgical precision and boundless empathy.
Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar: House job immersion in medicine’s raw, human core.
NHS UK: Consultant Psychiatrist in London in 1970s.
Government Mental & General Hospital Dhodial: Medical Superintendent & Founding Psychiatrist from Hazara KPK.
The London Crucible: Mastering the Mind
In the early 1970s, Dr. Irfan embarked on a transformative quest to London then the global nerve center of psychiatric innovation. There, he:
🔥 Earned the Diploma in Psychological Medicine (DPM): A hallmark of elite psychiatric mastery under the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The DPM curriculum demanded:
– Rigorous diagnostics at NHS hospitals,
– Pioneering therapies (CBT, psychopharmacology),
– Multicultural psychiatry in Europe’s most complex cases.
His London tenure wasn’t just study – it was a vision forged: to transplant world-class mental healthcare into Pakistan’s soil.
Revolutionizing the North: The Dhodial Epoch
Returning with fire in his soul, Dr. Irfan took the helm at Government Mental & General Hospital, Dhodial – and ignited a psychiatric renaissance:
Milestone
Impact
From Stigma to Awareness
Dr. M Irfan lead the charge to end mental health stigma by pioneering psychiatry awareness programs at Dhodial Mental Hospital in Pakistan. Through his dedicated efforts, Dr. M Irfan is breaking barriers and fostering stigma resolution, making mental healthcare more accessible in East & West Pakistan.
100-Bedded Psychiatry Unit
Transformed Dhodial into West Pakistan’s and later Pakistan’s first comprehensive psychiatric center.
Specialized Units
Substance Abuse, Chronic Psychiatry, Forensic, Child-Adolescent & Geriatric Psychiatry followed by their community mobilization unprecedented in the region.
Academic Legacy
A professor at Ayub Medical College, mentored generations of MBBS students with London-honed brilliance in Psychiatry followed by formation of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad.
Prison Reform Pioneer
Introduced forensic psychiatry at Haripur & Abbottabad prisons, amongst Pakistan’s first prison mental health program. Advocated for inmate dignity, legal psychiatry, and humane rehabilitation.
Institutional Alchemy: Building Beyond Borders
While revolutionizing public health, Dr. Irfan’s genius spawned enduring institutions:
Irfan Neuro Psychiatry & General Hospital, Mansehra (1990s): Founded as a neuropsychiatric citadel, blending cutting-edge neurology with compassionate psychiatry. Today, it stands as the region’s beacon of integrated brain-mind care.
Ayub Medical College Psychiatry Deprtment: Established its academic nucleus, later entrusting it to Dr. Aziz ur Rehman, while following his retirement Government Mental & General Dhodial was converted into Hazara University Dhodial mansehra and the facility was shifted to Dadar looked after by Dr. Qazi Rashid.
DAB 1 Clinic (Mansehra): Attached to his residence, an early private practice ensuring elite care reached grassroots communities.
The Dynasty of Healing: A Living Legacy
Dr. Irfan’s greatest testament lies in his dynasty of healers – three generations advancing his mission:
Sons:
Prof. Dr. Naveed Irfan – Best Graduate & Gold medalist (Neurophysician & Psychiatrist),
Dr. Saeed Irfan (Director INPGH & Psychiatrist),
Naheed Khan (Social Worker).
Khurshid Irfan (Founder Irfan Pharmacy INPGH, previously looked after by Babu Abdul Sattar Sb. At Dab 1)
Grandchildrens:
Dr. Ehsen Naveed Irfan (Psychiatrist),
Fatima Naseem Khan (Principal Marvels Montessori & School Islamabad)
Dr. Elishbah Naveed Irfan (Resident Psychiatry Resident, NHS Manchester, UK),
Dr. Arshma Saeed Irfan (Psychiatrist).
Ms. Eiza Naveed (Harvard)
Mr. Shahbaz Naseem Khan (Foundation Pharmacist Wellbeing\Alchemy Cambridgeshire UK)
Mr. Muhammad Hassan Naveed (Business Graduate UK & Manager)
“We don’t inherit his name; we inherit his unfinished symphony of healing.”
National Acclaim: The Crowning Glory
In recognition of his five decade crusade against stigma and suffering, Dr. Irfan was awarded the Quaid-e-Azam Gold Medal – This medal wasn’t mere metal; it was the nation’s embrace of a man who:
Pakistan’s first Psychiatric hospital for community formation “ Government Mental & General Hospital Dhodial)
Turned prison cells into clinics,
Made valleys classrooms for mental health,
Taught a region to see minds, not just bodies.
Epilogue: The Eternal Torchbearer
“From Peeran Bhanda to London’s halls, from Dhodial’s wards to Haripur’s jails – Dr. Irfan walked where others saw walls. He didn’t just practice psychiatry; he resurrected its soul in the soil of the North.”
His legacy thrives in:
🧠 *Irfan Hospital*’s humming corridors, where EEGs meet empathy,
⚖️ *Prison forensic psychiatry reform protocols* he started,
🎓 The *hundreds of doctors* he mentored, each a vessel of his ethos.
Dr. Muhammad Irfan the trader’s legendary son in psychiatry who traded despair for hope, the London scholar who chose his mountains over fame, who proved that the highest honor is a life lived for others. His name remains etched not on plaques, but in the minds he mended and the future he forged: Pakistan’s unwavering North Star in psychiatry’s firmament.
“Mountains crumble, rivers shift – but legends like Irfan Sahib stand eternal.”
Professor Dr. A. J Khan
Professor Dr. Naveed Irfan
A Legacy of Clinical and Academic Excellence, The best Neurophysician & Psychiatrist.
Born in 1963 in Peshawar and hailing from Peeran Bhanda, Dr. Naveed Irfan was destined for greatness. The eldest son of Dr. Muhammad Irfan, he began his early education at Government Mental School Dhodial before moving to Muslim School Mansehra in 1974. His brilliance earned him a place at Abbottabad Public School, where he thrived as a boarder of Jinnah House.
In 1980, he joined Ayub Medical College, where his academic prowess shone brightly. He emerged as the first best graduate and gold medalist, securing an astounding 16 gold medals by topping various subjects under Peshawar University (now Khyber Medical University). His dedication to medicine was unparalleled, setting the foundation for a remarkable career.
Entering government service as a Medical Officer at Government Mental Hospital Dhodial, he pursued further specialization, earning a Diploma in Psychological Medicine from Punjab. Recognizing his potential, the Government of Pakistan awarded him a scholarship in the early 1990s to study in the UK. There, he completed a prestigious Diploma in Clinical Neurology, a program renowned for its rigorous academic and clinical training in 1990s England.
Upon returning, he served his nation with distinction, joining Irfan Neuropsychiatry & General Hospital as a visiting Neurophysician. His expertise bridged both neurology and psychiatry, making him one of the pioneer neurophysicians of KPK. He further honed his skills by completing FCPS in Psychiatry from Khyber Teaching Hospital.
Dr. Naveed Irfan’s commitment extended beyond clinical practice. He served as a forensic psychiatrist at Haripur, Abbottabad, and Mansehra Jails, ensuring mental health care reached the most underserved. His postings included KATH Mansehra, Government Mental Hospital Dhodial, Dadar, BBST DHQ Abbottabad, and Ayub Medical College, where he mentored countless medical professionals.
Promoted as Professor of Psychiatry at Frontier Medical College, his life was cut short due to delayed treatment at Ayub Hospital an irony for a man who spent his life healing others. His family altruistically made First Aid Unit in Jinnahabad which served for over 1.5 years providing first aid and care to vulnerable individuals.
His legacy lives on through his family, who continue serving in his footsteps. A man of diverse talents, Dr. Irfan enjoyed table tennis, chess, draughts, cricket, and hockey, but his greatest art was healing through conversation touching lives with wisdom and compassion.
Dr. Naveed Irfan remains an enduring symbol of excellence, dedication, and service—a true pioneer whose contributions to medicine and humanity will never be forgotten.
He healed with knowledge, wisdom, and kindness—leaving behind a legacy that inspires generations He was a wonderful husband, a great father, a brilliant son and an excellent doctor – Mrs. Naveeda Naveed
Dr. Ehsen Naveed Irfan
A Legacy of Psychiatry, Leadership, and Mental Health Revolution
Clinic Schedule: Bringing Mental Health Care Closer to Patients
Morning Clinic (BBST DHQ Abbottabad): Tuesday & Thursday
Mansehra (Irfan Hospital): Monday & Wednesday (3–5 PM)
Abbottabad (Jinnahabad Mandian): Thursday & Friday (4–6 PM)
Haripur (Near Allied School): Tuesday
Islamabad (ARMC F-8): Monthly visits (Last Friday & Saturday)
Clinical Mastery: Expertise Across Psychiatric Disorders
Trained at KRL Hospital Islamabad (among Pakistan’s finest psychiatric institutes) and holding advanced diplomas from Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons, Dublin,
Dr. Ehsan Naveed specializes in evidence-based diagnosis and holistic treatment of psychiatric disorders, including:
1. Mood Disorders
- Depression– Treated with SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline), SNRIs (Venlafaxine), psychotherapy (CBT), and lifestyle interventions.
- Bipolar Disorder– Managed via mood stabilizers (Lithium, Valproate), antipsychotics (Quetiapine), and psychoeducation.
2. Anxiety & Stress-Related Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)– CBT, relaxation techniques, SSRIs.
- Panic Disorder– Exposure therapy, benzodiazepines (short-term), SSRIs.
- PTSD– Trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, SSRIs.
- OCD– High-dose SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine), ERP therapy.
3. Psychotic Disorders
- Schizophrenia– Atypical antipsychotics (Risperidone, Olanzapine), psychosocial rehabilitation.
- Delusional Disorder– Antipsychotics, supportive psychotherapy.
4. Neurodevelopmental & Cognitive Disorders
- ADHD– Stimulants (Methylphenidate), behavioral therapy.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)– Early intervention, speech/occupational therapy.
- Dementia (Alzheimer’s, Vascular)– Cholinesterase inhibitors (Donepezil), caregiver support.
5. Substance Use Disorders
- Opioid/Alcohol Dependence– Detox (Buprenorphine), relapse prevention (Naltrexone), counseling.
- Stimulant Addiction– Motivational interviewing, CBT.
6. Personality Disorders
- Borderline PD– Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), SSRIs.
- Antisocial PD– Structured psychotherapy, behavioral modification.
7. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Conduct Disorder– Parental training, behavioral therapy.
- Depression/Anxiety in Youth– Family therapy, SSRIs (cautious use).
8. Forensic Psychiatry
- Criminal Responsibility Assessments– Legal-psychiatric evaluations for courts.
- Jail Psychiatry– Mental health interventions in prisons (previously served Mansehra/Abbottabad jails).
Beyond the Clinic: A Visionary Mental Health Reformer
Dr. Ehsan Naveed’s work transcends clinical practice:
- Mental Health Policy Advocacy– Pushing for psychiatric reforms in Pakistan’s healthcare system.
- Awareness Campaigns– Combating stigma via public seminars, media engagements.
- Human Rights Focus– Diploma in Mental Health Law (protecting patient rights).
- Teaching & Supervision– Training next-gen psychiatrists at teaching hospitals.
A Heritage of Healing
Born in 1988, Dr. Ehsan Naveed is the eldest son of the legendary Dr. Naveed Irfan (1963–2015) a pioneer neurophysician of KPK, a psychiatrist and the grandson of Dr. Muhammad Irfan, founding father of Psychiatry. Since childhood, he was immersed in the world of medicine, observing his grandfather and father treat patients with compassion and expertise. What began as a young boy’s curiosity evolved into a lifelong passion for psychiatry and mental health advocacy.
From an Average Student to a Transformational Leader
Initially an average student, Dr. Ehsan Naveed’s potential blossomed at Frontier Medical College, where he engaged in psychosocial welfare activities, organizing blood donation camps, mental health awareness events, and student relief programs. Recognizing that “psychiatry was in his blood,” he sought to revolutionize Pakistan’s mental health system.
His leadership journey began early in 2007 he founded the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) for Hazara & KPK, uniting student voices for systemic change. As President of Frontier Welfare Society and Chief Proctor of Frontier Medical College, he championed student rights and welfare. His vision extended beyond academia; in 2009-2010, he served as a Youth Shadow Minister for Culture & Youth Affairs in the Youth Parliament of Pakistan and was invited by Oxford University to discuss global health policies at the Pakistan Youth Leadership Conference (PYLC).
A Shift from Politics to Psychiatry: A Divine Calling
In 2015, destiny intervened. After being elected Central President of Insaf Doctors Forum (IDF) Pakistan, where he established provincial and district chapters, he was poised for parliamentary politics. However, the sudden demise of his father, Dr. Naveed Irfan, redirected his path. Choosing to honor his father’s legacy, he dedicated himself entirely to mental health care and psychiatric services.
Academic Excellence & Clinical Mastery
- Diploma in Clinical Psychiatry– Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons, Dublin
- Diploma in Mental Health Law & Human Rights
- Psychiatry FCPS– KRL Hospital Islamabad (2020–2024), one of Pakistan’s finest psychiatric training institutes
- Irish Medical Council – Doctor
- Gold Medal in Social Work for Mental Patients– Awarded by SPLS Islamabad (25th December 2023) for his exceptional humanitarian services
A Clinician with a Mission
Dr. Ehsan Naveed’s expertise spans clinical psychiatry, mental health policy, and psychosocial rehabilitation. His previous posting at Government Mental & General Hospital Dadar saw outstanding performance despite limited resources. Currently, he serves as:
- District Specialist Psychiatrist, DHQ BBST Abbottabad
- Visiting Psychiatrist, Irfan Neuropsychiatry & General Hospital, Mansehra
A Vision for Mental Health Reform
Dr. Ehsan Naveed is not just a clinician—he is a mental health reformer. His work focuses on:
✔ Mental health policy development
✔ Awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental illness
✔ Forensic psychiatry & patient rights advocacy
✔ Expanding psychiatric care in underserved regions
Conclusion: Carrying Forward a Legacy
From observing his father and grandfather in clinics to becoming a leading psychiatrist himself, Dr. Ehsan Naveed embodies resilience, intellect, and compassion. His journey—from student activism to clinical excellence—proves that true leadership lies in serving humanity.
“Mental health is not a privilege—it is a fundamental human right. My mission is to ensure no patient suffers in silence.” – Dr. Ehsan Naveed
Through his relentless efforts, he continues the Irfan legacy of healing, one patient at a time.
