The mental health of the younger generation is crucial to the future of the Philippines, and it is time for the government to prioritize this issue
In recent years, the Philippines has been making significant strides in addressing the country's mental health crisis. In particular, the government's universal health care program, PhilHealth, has been working hard to provide more accessible and affordable mental health services for all Filipinos. However, the organization has recently expressed concern over the lack of funding for children's mental health services, and the dire need to prioritize the mental health of the younger generation.
The World Health Organization reports that one in every seven children worldwide experiences a mental health disorder, and this number is likely higher in low- and middle-income countries like the Philippines. Despite this alarming statistic, the Philippines currently only allocates a meager 2% of its national health budget to mental health services. This is not nearly enough to meet the growing demand for mental health services in the country, especially for children.
PhilHealth recognizes this gap and has been pushing for more funding to be allocated specifically for children's mental health services. In a recent statement, PhilHealth's CEO Dr. Dante Gierran emphasized the importance of prioritizing children's mental health, stating that "children's mental health is as important as their physical health."
The call for more funding is supported by a recent study conducted by the University of the Philippines' College of Medicine, which found that one in every four Filipino children aged 5-15 has a mental health condition. These conditions include anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Despite the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders in children, there are currently only a few specialized facilities and trained professionals in the country to address these issues. This means that many children who need help are left without proper support and treatment.
PhilHealth's efforts to secure more funding for children's mental health services are therefore crucial in addressing this gap. With more funding, the organization can work towards expanding access to specialized facilities, training more mental health professionals, and providing more affordable services for families in need.
The mental health of the younger generation is crucial to the future of the Philippines, and it is time for the government to prioritize this issue. PhilHealth's call for more funding for children's mental health services is an important step towards addressing this gap, and it is up to the government to respond to this call and take action. It is time to prioritize the mental health of the next generation.
Additional Resources:
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some resources that can help:
National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 0917-899-8727 or 989-8727
Philippine Mental Health Association: (02) 8736-4673 or (0917) 565-2036
MindNation: www.themindnation.com
MentalHealthPH: www.mentalhealthph.org
#mentalhealth #childrensmentalhealth #PhilHealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters
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