Mental Health Programme In Primary Health Clinics
The Ministry of Health (MoH) is studying the implementation of mental health programmes in primary health clinics across the country, an official has told Khaleej Times.
According to Dr Muna Al Kuwari, Director of Central Primary Health in the MoH, primary health services in the country will be expanded to include mental health services to both nationals and expatriates.
“Before the end of the year, a new primary health clinic, staffed with mental health professionals, will be built in Ras Al Khaimah. This new clinic will serve as the basis of a six-month pilot study, which will be used to draft a strategy for the implementation of mental health services in primary health clinics across the country,†she said.
Dr Muna explained that with the increasing population in the country, there is an urgent need for more expansive mental health services, which is a priority in the MoH’s 2008-2010 strategy.
“Many segments of the population are suffering from stress and stress-related illnesses. In the near future, primary health clinics will offer basic mental services to help people attain better psychological health,†she said.
Dr Muna also said that the MoH will be building four new primary health clinics, two in Fujairah and two in Ras Al Khaimah, which will bring the total number of such clinics to 66 across the country by the end of the year.
Tags: expatriates, health, health clinic, health clinics, health profession, illnesses, implementation, Mental Health, mental health professionals, mental health services, ministry of health, moh, nationals, pilot study, population, primary health, priority, psychological health, ras al khaimah, stress related illnesses