DOH Holds 3rd Public Health Convention on Mental Health

In celebration of the World Mental Health Day, the Department of Health (DOH) held the 3rd Public Health Convention on Mental Health last October 10-11, 2019 with the theme “SCALING UP MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS: UNIFYING EFFORTS TOWARDS SAVING LIVES.”

The Convention showcased major breakthroughs and accomplishments, re-lived success stories of different agencies, provided insights into the various activities and plans of various duty bearers in the implementation of the law, and gathered key stakeholders towards building a network of resources as we scale up mental health interventions in the country thus unifying efforts toward saving lives.

The Philippines, with the help of the country’s leading mental health advocates, has made great strides towards making mental health services accessible through the passage of Republic Act No. 11036 otherwise known as the “Mental Health Act” and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. The law places special focus on improving the mental health of the population in schools, workplaces and communities, underscoring the basic right of all Filipinos towards these services.

The Mental Health Act also established the Philippine Council for Mental Health, chaired by the DOH. The Council serves as a policy-making advisory body for the implementation of the Mental Health Act. It has spearheaded the development of the Mental Health Strategic Plan, which embodies the strategies and activities to provide a wide range of promotive, preventive, treatment and rehabilitative mental health services aligned with the Universal Health Care Law.

Recognizing the need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, the Convention brought together stakeholders from government, private sector, implementers, advocates and users of services to ensure delivery of integrated mental health services in the country.

The Convention concluded with the delegates’ signing of the Mental Health Manifesto, a commitment for everyone to work together in scaling up mental health interventions and unify efforts to save lives. (DOH PR)