MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has sought a more robust implementation of the Mental Health Care Act (MHCA) after official numbers showed suicide incidents increasing by more than half in 2020. According to her, despite improving awareness about mental health in recent years, it is still one aspect often neglected by authorities and society. “Adding to the woes of those who are suffering from mental health illnesses is the shortage of qualified mental health professionals as well as the stigma being associated with it,” she said. “This mental health intervention would usher in a new chapter in mental health care policy and service delivery in the Philippines as it would integrate mental health in all health services and policy initiatives,” she added. READ: CHR wants greater attention, budget for mental health amid pandemicREAD: On World Suicide Prevention Day, CHR warns of brewing mental health pandemicREAD: Mental health of students, teachers a ‘big challenge’ amid pandemic – DepEd chiefSubscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer October 11, 2021 10:07 UTC