THINGS are looking bright for those who are in need of mental health care following the passage of the Mental Health Code of Davao.
In a country where mental health is not given much value by the Filipino society - because of little knowledge about mental health - the ordinance may increase awareness in and better understanding of mental health.
The Mental Health Code of Davao provides for an integrated and comprehensive approach to the development of the City Mental Health Care Program and Delivery System to deliver appropriate services and interventions including provision of mental health protection, care, treatment, and other essential services to those with mental illness or disability.
“There is a need to include the mental health in the public health and hospital system in order to render available, accessible, affordable, and equitable quality mental health care and services to the constituents of the city especially the poor, the underserved and high risk populations,” Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte, author of the ordinance, said.
We hope the city will implement this program as soon as possible. We are sure that there are a lot of people out there who are in dire need of a proper mental health care.
We have seen the effects of the current health care system where access to care for mental health is difficult. Not many people know where to get treatment if they have a mental health illness. This has resulted to relationships being broken and worse, the death of some.
Hopefully, the ordinance will also pave way to increasing awareness among Dabawenyos on the importance of mental health.
We also see that this ordinance will somehow spark the interest of Dabawenyos in understanding what mental health is. Currently, the general population does not fully understand the complexities of mental health.
Mental health illnesses are as serious as any illnesses out there. Therefore, it is commendable that the City is taking steps to make sure that those who need treatment can get it.