The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare has announced today that they are seeking social service workers for the ministry's Mental Health Department. 

The ministry has opened up applications for nine Senior Social Service Workers. 

The announcement has come at a time when there is widespread public concern about the rising rate of suicides and the available resources for mental health support. 

The post offers a salary of MVR 12,261, an allowance of MVR 5,721, and MVR 155 as a daily attendance bonus. 

Responsibilities of the post include:

- To conduct home visits to assess the living conditions of mental health patients who contact the helpline, and to plan and provide support in line with established policies. 

- To evaluate psychological cases and provide support in collaboration with the patient's family and relevant agencies, while safeguarding their rights and ensuring all fundamental needs are addressed. 

- To conduct assessments and draft support plans in cases where a mental health patient seeks protection or reports rights violations. 

The ministry issued a statement last Friday acknowledging the urgent need to improve mental health care. It said work is underway with experts and relevant agencies to strengthen both temporary and permanent mental health services. 

The ministry assured that it is working on building a sustainable social support system that will extend assistance to the public. 

The Health Ministry operates a helpline, 1677, to provide psychological first aid for persons seeking mental health support or those experiencing feelings of isolation.