Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has revealed about 4,000 people have received treatment from the Mental Health Centre.
In his statement on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Health Minister Ameen said Maldives have made great progress in treating mental illness. In this regard, the minister noted the establishment of Mental Health Centre and expanding the national healthcare insurance scheme to treat mental illness.
Speaking on the Mental Health Centre established on March 25, the minister revealed Maldivians have welcomed such an institute, adding thousands of patients have received treatment in the first 6 months. He said efforts are underway to establish Mental Health Unit at Health Protection Agency as part of the programme to further enhance the services of Mental Health Centre and the treatment of patients.
In his statement, the health minister spoke on the efforts to introduce and enhance the treatment of mental illness in other areas of the country. In this regard, the minister highlighted hospitals in Kulhudhuffushi, Ungoofaaru, Gan, Thinadhoo and Addu City will introduce the treatment of mental illness. He added the ministry will launch several awareness campaigns on mental health.
On conclusion, the health minister highlighted the commitment of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed for making mental health a key priority of the government and initiating the first steps towards ensuring and strengthening of mental health awareness and services nationwide. He also applauded the hardworking dedicated health professionals for their work in treating mental illness and mental health awareness.