DOH makes mental health bill priority

THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) will push for the inclusion of the mental health bill in the priority legislative agenda in President Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 25.

“It’s important that our legislators be aligned with the priorities of the executive branch in terms of pushing for legislation and policies that would benefit the Filipino people,” Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said in a press briefing recently.

According to Ubial, Senate Bill No. 2450 or the “Philippine Mental Health Act of 2014” and House Bill No. 5347 or the “Philippine Mental Health Act of 2015” aim to create a mental health care system that responds to the people’s mental health needs in equity with their physical health needs.

“One of the things we’re looking at is having a network with the Department of Education. There is actually a curriculum that looks at mental health and well-being even before a patient suffers a problem like depression,” Ubial said.

Community-based mental health facilities would also be established to provide affordable and accessible mental health care and counseling to the public.