President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday constituted the National Mental Health Department under the Ministry of Health.
According to the President’s Office, the new department was created to improve mental health facilities. It would oversee mental health services, offer expertise, and work towards improving mental well-being in the country.
There is a growing demand for mental health services in the Maldives, but there are not enough qualified professionals to meet it. Currently, there is a long queue of patients waiting for a consultation with a mental health specialist at the state-run Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).
Earlier this month, the President launched the National Social and Behaviour Change Communications Strategy on Prevention and Promotion of Mental Health, "Kihineh?", in an effort to promote mental healthcare. The campaign, which is a partnership with UNICEF, aims to address the stigma attached to mental health and related issues and promote awareness and understanding, and create a more compassionate community.
The new department of the health ministry was established under the discretion vested in the President by Article 116 of the constitution, which stipulates that the President has the discretion to establish ministries and determine their jurisdiction.
The President’s Office issued a directive stating that the number 489 should be used in all official correspondence to the new authority per the numbering system of state agencies.
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