Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Hamad Medical Corporation Dr Suhaila Ghuloum, during her presentation.Abdul Basit
By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: Qatar will soon have a Mental Health Strategy to address the alarming increase in mental disorders in the country. It has been found that nearly one in five people here experience a mental disorder.
The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) is planning to launch the new strategy by year-end.
A survey has found that around 20 percent adult visitors to primary healthcare centres are likely to have a form of a mental health disorder, said Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Dr Suhaila Ghuloum, on Monday. Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders are common among people, although the severity and duration of the sickness vary.
“It can significantly interfere with an individual’s life, however, mental illness is treatable, especially if identified early,” said Dr Ghuloum, speaking at an event held to mark the completion of two years of the National Health Strategy 2011-2016.
As one of the key projects of the National Health Strategy, plans to promote good mental health and well-being, prevent mental disorders and develop high quality services are to be implemented soon.
Negative attitudes and stigma prevent individuals and families from seeking help for mental illnesses similar to other countries. The strategy would implement mental health services focusing on early intervention and recovery and how to access mental health care, tailored to their needs.
“Public education is critical to Qatar’s mission to increase awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental illnesses,” said Dr Ghuloum.
“Whether it is in a primary care, community based or a hospital setting, people with mental health issues will have access to the right care, at the right time and in the right place,” she said.
Plans are under way for mental healthcare in community-based settings and to integrate mental health within the broader health system in Qatar.
Skilled healthcare professionals will also be recruited to implement the strategy successfully.
The Peninsula
