Acting Undersecretary of the Federal Ministry of Health: Plan to Establish Five Mental Health Hospitals

The Federal Ministry of Health revealed plans to expand mental health services and take advantage of psychiatrists available in the states. The ministry is currently in the process of establishing five specialized hospitals and health centers for the treatment of mental illnesses in various states.

The ministry emphasized its commitment to ensuring that patients suffering from mental illnesses receive the necessary care and treatment.

Speaking at the World Mental Health Day celebration, held under the theme "It's Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace, "Dr. Esmat Mustafa, Acting Undersecretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, highlighted the ministry's focus on the field of psychiatry. He discussed the challenges faced by mental health professionals and medical staff, praising the role of society as the cornerstone of the first line of defense in treating both mental and physical illnesses.

Acting Undersecretary of the Federal Ministry of Health: Plan to Establish Five Mental Health Hospitals

He added that psychiatry is a top priority for the Ministry of Health, acknowledging the importance of community awareness and the need for patients to receive proper treatment. He also noted that mental health care is costly for both families and the state.

The Acting Governor of the Red Sea State, Major General Mustafa Mohamed Nour, expressed concern over the increasing threat posed by synthetic drug abuse, noting that these substances are more dangerous than traditional drugs due to their rapid addictive effects. He urged young people to steer clear of drugs like "ice" and its derivatives, emphasizing the need for awareness campaigns and the promotion of religious values to combat drug abuse.

In a related discussion, Dr. Bashar Abdel Rahman, presenting on the current state of mental health, noted that there are only 12 psychiatrists in the Red Sea State. He pointed to the shortage of trained medical personnel and the lack of specialized units for treating children with mental illnesses. He also highlighted the challenges faced by psychiatry, including stigma against mental health patients and societal misunderstandings about those undergoing treatment.

Bashar called for increased public awareness to reduce the social stigma around mental health treatment and advocated for the construction of a new hospital with a capacity of 100 beds.