By LORRAINE WOHI
MINISTER for Health and MP for Gazelle, Jelta Wong has given his blessing to the recent proclamation of the Directorate of Mental Health Services in PNG.
The proclamation of the directorate is a way forward for social change and mental health services to be improved and expanded in PNG.
The directorate will ensure that PNG is a nation of mentally healthy individuals, families and communities where self-reliance prepares all for sound mental health in the healthy island’s environment.
Minister Wong while said during the proclamation ceremony that directorate would be entrusted to monitor the mental well-being of people in communities, and to promote and encourage the maintenance of community mental health at an acceptable level.
He said the directorate would also be tasked to plan and deliver good mental health practices with related mental health services.
“The directorate is to have mental health services improved and expanded in PNG, mental health problems and illness in the society reduced, numbers of mentally healthy people increased and a healthy nation resulting,” he said.
“The Directorate for Social Change and Mental Health Services is focused towards integrating our cultural norms and traditional medicine into our mental health system in order to meet the specific needs of our people.
“I am happy to see that the directorate is entrusted to implement three policies, namely the National Mental Health Policy, National Traditional Medicine Policy and National Alcohol Policy.”
Wong said we must accept the truth that mental and behavioural disorders were common today.
“They are also universal in all countries and societies. They have an economic impact on societies and on the quality of life of individuals and families,” he said.
“It is important to understand that identifying, diagnosing and treating mental disorders are unique. Our government is proud to be in resonance on this matter with our homegrown directorate,” he said.
Members of the board of the Directorate for Social Change and Mental Health Services are Cardinal Sir John Ribat as chairman, Dr Peter Kaminiel, Kelly Namaliu, Dr Monica Hasali, Dr Uma Ambis and Loani Henao.
