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Between one million to two million people in Sri Lanka have some mental disorder and two per cent or four hundred thousand need treatment said Director Mental Health, Dr. Hiranthi De Silva. “However, all mental patients do not require treatment in hospitals but only those who are in acute condition need inward treatment,” she said.
Explaining the ravages of mental disorders, Dr. De Silva said poverty, war, conflict, tsunami, displacements and tragedies of serious nature that jolt the normal life style are the main causes for mental disorders.
“It also can be hereditary. But the most important factor is that the disease can be prevented,” Dr. Mrs. De Silva stressed. She also said that mental treatment is somewhat a neglected area in the health care sector in Sri Lanka as facilities and access for treatment are lacking with only two or three main hospitals for mental patients being in existence for the entire country.
Between one million to two million people in Sri Lanka have some mental disorder and two per cent or four hundred thousand need treatment said Director Mental Health, Dr. Hiranthi De Silva.
“However, all mental patients do not require treatment in hospitals but only those who are in acute condition need inward treatment,” she said. Explaining the ravages of mental disorders, Dr. De Silva said poverty, war, conflict, tsunami, displacements and tragedies of serious nature that jolt the normal life style are the main causes for mental disorders. “It also can be hereditary. But the most important factor is that the disease can be prevented,” Dr. Mrs. De Silva stressed. She also said that mental treatment is somewhat a neglected area in the health care sector in Sri Lanka as facilities and access for treatment are lacking with only two or three main hospitals for mental patients being in existence for the entire country.
The Ministry of Health Care and Nutrition is contemplating the setting up of a ward in mental therapy at every District Hospital to cater to the country’s needs as mental patients in the remote parts of the country do not get mental care and/or treatment properly, she said.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Health Care and Nutrition has decided to appoint a psychiatrist to every MOH division each and expects to recruit the required number of psychiatrists shortly.
The ministry also expects to rehabilitate persons with mental disorders acquired after natural disasters such as floods, earth slips, tsunami and resultant tragedies and other calamities. Those who have been identified with mental disorders will be referred for rehabilitation, drug therapy and counselling, a ministry communiqué said.
Sandun A Jayasekera for Daily Mirror
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