State mental healthcare services to be expanded in the atolls

Treatments for mental disorders are to be broadened across the Maldives to provide the same level of health care as Male’ city within the country, according to Health Minister Abdulla Ameen.

The Minister was giving an address regarding the World Mental Health Day when he revealed plans of expanding mental health treatments to regional hospitals within the country.

These hospitals include:

• Hithadhoo Regional Hospital, Addu city.
•  Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital, G.Dh Thinadhoo.
• Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, H.Dh Kulhudhuffushi.
• Gan Regional Hospital, L. Gan.
• Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital, R. Ungoofaaru.

The Minister also promised a campaign to create an awareness regarding mental health and psychological disorders within the country and community.

“Work is also underway to provide these services more competently and set up a special unit within the Health Protection Agency to monitor these services," said the Minister. The Minister also spoke of various activities planned for the World Mental Health Day in the Maldives and stated that 2019 was a year of great achievements for the development of the mental health industry, notably the introduction of the National Mental Health Institute and Aasandha Insurance coverage extensions implemented for mental disorders.

Nearly 4000 patients have been checked by the National Mental Health Institute since its establishment in IGMH. The Institute also provides OPD treatments, diagnosis, rehabilitation, occupational therapy and emergency procedures amongst others.

Every year, October 10 is celebrated as the World Mental Health Day, with this year’s slogan being “Mental Wellbeing”. The purpose of the day is to create and enhance the awareness in the community for mental disorders and strengthen the collaboration between government, private individuals and organizations, countries to increase mental wellbeing