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[av_heading heading=’Mental health law pushed’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
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MANILA – The Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia without a comprehensive mental health law, according to Sen. Risa Hontiveros.
On Thursday Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 1990, which seeks to enhance the delivery of integrated mental health services and promote the use of psychiatric, neurologic and psychosocial health services.
While a “serious concern,” mental health has not been given much attention, the committee on health and demography chairwoman told a news conference.
Several studies and government records showed one in five Filipinos suffer from mental disorder — an average of 88 reported cases of mental illness per 100,000 Filipinos — said Hontiveros.
She also raised alarm on the lack of rural health centers and psychiatrists. As of 2014, the senator said, there were only 490 licensed psychiatrists in the country.
“Many Filipinos are suffering a crisis in the dark due to the lack of a comprehensive mental health law,” she said. “It’s time we uphold the right to mental health and protect the rights of those who require mental health services.”
If approved, the measure will be known as the Philippine Mental Health Act of 2016. (PNA)
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