Sumar Plan: Ministry of Health launches national mental health policy and plan

Asuncion, IP Agency.- The Government of Paraguay took a fundamental step towards improving mental health with the approval of the National Mental Health Policy and Plan 2024-2030, as well as the Organizational Manual of the Mental Health and Addictions Network. These documents, considered strategic pillars within the SUMAR plan, seek to transform the approach to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of mental disorders in the country.

The Minister of Public Health, María Teresa Barán Wasilchuk, stressed the importance of these documents by emphasizing that they are a key tool for building a solid, accessible and community-friendly mental health system.

Although he acknowledged that there is still much to be done, he emphasized that this plan lays the foundation for more comprehensive and equitable care.

Barán admitted that there is still a lot to do, but emphasized that if we do not begin to build this mental health system that all Paraguayans deserve, we will not be able to move forward.

In this regard, he stressed that with these three documents, we now have a great tool to continue moving forward. He also highlighted that one of the pillars of the Ministry of Health is to provide care within the service networks.

For her part, the National Director of Mental Health, Mirtha Rodríguez, stated that these documents are not just policies, but a tangible commitment to each person who suffered in silence, to each affected family and to each health professional on the front line of care.

Training of professionals

Training has also begun for 32 professionals in psychiatry and psychology, who will receive training in the international guide to mental, neurological and substance use disorders.

These professionals will be responsible for training primary care staff, ensuring that the implementation of the plan and manual is carried out with high standards of quality and effectiveness.

The treatment and rehabilitation axis promoted by the Sumar plan not only focuses on the care of affected people, but also seeks their social reintegration.

The Organizational Manual establishes for the first time the integration of mental health and addiction services into the public health network, underlining the need for a coordinated approach and ongoing support in this area, the Ministry of Public Health reported.