Cairo: «The Gulf»
The Ministry of Health and Population in Egypt is preparing to launch an initiative to support the mental health of Egyptian citizens of different age groups, with the aim of limiting the spread of negative psychological phenomena, and changing the perceptions of wrong citizens.
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population, confirmed, according to a statement by the ministry, on Monday, his full support for all initiatives and programs concerned with mental health, and instilling a culture of recovery from mental disorders, and rehabilitation, which contributes to improving the quality of life of citizens, and facing the changes that occur in the country. communities.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Population, indicated that the minister discussed during the meeting the axes and mechanisms of work in the mental health initiative, which focuses on the research axis, the awareness axis, the service axis in medical facilities, and the services provided remotely.
He explained that the minister discussed the mechanisms of updating the work tools of the National Survey of Mental Disorders, drug abuse, disability, and the impact of the Corona pandemic on the mental health of citizens, in addition to updating the map of treating addiction patients.
He stressed the importance of the research axis in proper planning of mental health services, analyzing the behavior of individuals with mental disorders, providing psychological services and facilitating the integration of patients into society.
The spokesman pointed out that the minister stressed the importance of mental health education and awareness campaigns targeting different ages, and their importance to the individual and society, to reduce the spread of negative psychological phenomena, change the concepts of wrong citizens, and remove the stigma of mental illness, which contributes to reducing some psychological phenomena that have spread recently. in societies.
He added that the meeting discussed the mechanisms of integrating mental health services within the medical care services provided to citizens in coordination between the various sectors of the ministry.
The training of health service providers on guidelines for diagnosing mental illnesses through training courses and programs offered to physicians, nurses, and psychologists and social workers was also discussed.
He added that the minister was briefed, during the meeting, on the progress of work on mental health services and consultations provided remotely through hotlines, and the national electronic platform for mental health services and addiction treatment; This platform has received 48,000 visitors within 5 months since its launch, directed to increase the cadres working in these electronic services.
He revealed that the minister stressed the importance of integrating mental health initiatives for school students; Where he followed up on the mechanisms for implementing the school mental health program in educational facilities, which was applied to a group of schools in 2017, directing the generalization of this model, which aims to help teachers enhance understanding of the importance of mental health in the school environment, follow up on child development, and provide appropriate interventions for those who suffer from mental disorders. Psychological.