The Guyanese Ministry of Health is working towards integrating mental health services into primary healthcare as part of its commitment to providing quality healthcare for all citizens. Dr. Frank Anthony, the Minister of Health, announced this initiative during the kick-off session of the Joint Programme on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Children and Adolescents.
The ministry has trained primary care physicians to conduct basic diagnostics for mental health conditions, such as depression. By integrating mental health services into primary healthcare, the ministry aims to ensure that individuals have access to the necessary support and treatment.
In addition to this integration, the ministry has also implemented a school screening program. The initial phase of the program will focus on screening 27,000 nursery school children, with plans to expand it to primary and secondary schools. The screenings aim to detect any health conditions early on so that appropriate interventions can be provided.
The Ministry of Health, along with the regional health department, recently conducted free health screenings for children in several communities in Region Two. The screenings took place in a child-friendly environment and aimed to identify any illnesses before children enter the school system.
By integrating mental health services into primary healthcare and implementing school screening programs, the Guyanese Ministry of Health is taking proactive steps towards ensuring the well-being of its citizens, particularly children. This holistic approach to healthcare will help identify and address health conditions at an early stage, enabling timely interventions and support.
Sources:
– [Source article]
– Definitions:
– Primary healthcare: The first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare services, usually provided by medical professionals in a community or outpatient setting.
– Mental health: The state of a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which affects how they think, feel, and act. Mental health conditions can include disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
