The Ministry of Health and Population announced details of work to raise the efficiency and development of services in the General Secretariat for Mental Health hospitals, during the past three months, which included increasing the capacity of beds for treating addiction patients at the Assiut Mental Health Hospital, to 32 beds, within the framework of the state’s interest in combating and treating addiction.
Dr. Menen Abdel-Maqsoud, Secretary-General of the Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, referred to the opening of intermediate care units for addiction patients in “Abbasiya, Airport and Mamoura” hospitals, in preparation for the implementation of harm reduction policies in an integrated manner within the hospitals of the Secretariat.
And “Menan” added that evening clinics have been operated in 8 hospitals, affiliated to the Mental Health Secretariat, to provide addiction treatment services, in addition to starting the experimental operation of outpatient clinics at Imbaba Hospital for the treatment and rehabilitation of addiction patients, in preparation for the official opening of the center.
Menan explained that mental health and addiction treatment services were provided through the “Recovery” program through treatment sessions during the patients’ rehabilitation period, ensuring the provision of a minimum level of expertise and therapeutic information that helps patients recover.
Manan added that the “Recovery” program includes introducing the skills of therapeutic culture, and modifying the behavior necessary for a life together without drugs, confirming the provision of a range of services, activities, training and awareness in the field of addiction treatment, which contributes to the integration of patients into society following the completion of the treatment program.
Dr. Menen Abdel Maqsoud said that the Municipality is working to provide community care for the patient, which includes psychological rehabilitation services, followingcare services and relapse prevention, as well as vocational rehabilitation (work therapy) and physical rehabilitation (sports therapy).
Menan added that the hospitals of the Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment honored 288 recoverers, within 3 months, at the level of the governorates of the Republic, in cooperation with the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Abuse.