Given the negative impact of Covid-19 on one's psychological well-being, SEN. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go has renewed his plea for improved mental health initiatives
Concerned about how the epidemic is affecting mental health, the senator urged for stronger government action in providing psychological aid to impacted Filipinos.
Go urged his colleagues to prioritize funding for the government's mental health services in the 2023 national health budget.
"In 2022, we had a financial allocation of P568 million [for the mental health program], and it will be enhanced to P1 billion under 2023 in the NEP (National Expenditure Program)," he stated.
He also emphasized the need of Filipinos prioritizing their mental health and of society as a whole not dismissing these challenges.
"Many people became despondent, and many people were really impacted by the epidemic," Go remarked in Filipino after inspecting the Super Health Center in Arakan, North Cotabato, on October 7.
"We cannot dispute that it is difficult to adjust, particularly during the pandemic," stated the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health.
Many Filipinos have lost their jobs and loved ones, underscoring the importance of bringing mental health issues to light and addressing them.
He stated that previous President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11036, also known as the "Philippine Mental Health Act," to improve access to mental health therapies and services for Filipinos.
The goal of RA 11036 is to provide mental health services at the barangay (village) level, as well as to integrate mental health and wellness initiatives at the grassroots level, so that interventions are felt by the communities.
It also aims to improve mental health facilities and raise awareness of mental health issues in schools and workplaces.
"I also urge the Department of Health to expand its existing Medicine Access Program for Mental Health to reach as many Filipinos as possible who require mental health medications," Go stated.
"While the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City continues to serve mental health patients," he says, "we need to make this type of government service available to more people nationwide, particularly in rural and remote places."
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SOURCE: manilatimes
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