Rise in mental health cases worrying: Minister

Rabiatul Kamit
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Ministry of Health saw an 11.5 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past year, with 14,821 cases reported in 2013.

Health Minister Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yusof revealed the latest figures yesterday during the launch of a roadshow on the new Mental Health Order.

“This increase is very worrying,” said the minister, noting that mental health cases in the country continue to rise every year.

Citing statistics from the Psychiatry Department at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, YB Pehin Dato Hj Adanan pointed out that 13,294 cases of mental health were recorded in 2012. The following year saw an additional 1,530 new mental health cases.

In response to the growing number of mental health cases, the minister reassured the public that the Ministry of Health (MoH) is taking the situation seriously.

He added that the ministry “continuously strives to strengthen and improve the healthcare system towards becoming more innovative, proactive and effective, not only responsive to the current needs, but always ready in addressing challenges that lie ahead, not excluding the handling of mental health”.

On November 1, Brunei is set to introduce the Mental Health Order that will replace the 1929 Lunacy Act towards providing comprehensive treatment for mental health patients.

The new order seeks to integrate the laws relating to mental health, while also creating provisions for the admission, detention, accommodation, care, treatment, rehabilitation and protection of mental health patients in a comprehensive, holistic, systematic and effective manner that is evidence-based.

“This order is timely and represents another proud milestone in the MoH’s efforts to strengthen and enhance its services and care to patients with mental disorders,” said the minister.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Adanan, in his speech, also highlighted the important role of the public in providing cooperation and support towards the enforcement of the Mental Health Order. He also urged the public, together with the authorities, to raise awareness about mental health issues.

With the series of roadshows slated for the new law, the minister expressed confidence that heightened awareness will help to overcome the social stigma associated with mental health.

“We do not want them to be restricted on their right to work and education, as well as the right to a family and the right to have a good quality of health. They should always be given support and assistance, not only for treatment and rehabilitation, but to enjoy the facilities appropriately,” he said.

The launching ceremony for the roadshow on the Mental Health Order took place at the Al-‘Afiah Hall, MoH.


Sumber - The Brunei Times