SUICIDES, depression, missing persons, and inadequate outpatient/home care of people in mental distress are what the new Philippine Mental Health Law seeks to address. Republic Act (RA) 11036 completes the whole set of healthcare Filipinos need and deserve to be happy, productive and successful.
RA 11036 has an even larger, more challenging goal: eradicating the shame and stigma of having mental illness. When a family member goes missing, the family must be frank about the mental health state of the missing person.
Families and barangays nationwide should be made aware of all the warning signs of mental distress and be trained to give the appropriate response.
Colleges and universities should supply the needed college graduates and professionals who will provide the expert yet personal touch of a psychiatrist and psychologist.
Hospitals must beef up their rosters of mental health care specialists. Generic medicines for mental health illnesses and conditions must be available in all hospitals and pharmacies.
School and workplace clinics need psychologists and psychiatrists.
To set all of these in proper motion, the Department of Health and other implementing agencies have to approve implementing rules and regulations with the detailed processes, standards, and systems necessary to faithfully carry out RA 11036.
The Department of Health and Department of Budget and Management to include enough funds to kick start the provision of mental health care. Expanded and better PhilHealth coverage for mental health and generic medicines must be in the set of RA 11036 programs.
With this new law, it is our hope that Filipinos will be more open and immediately seek professional help when they are in mental distress.
