President-Elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has emphasized his commitment to making mental health a fundamental right for all citizens. HE made the statement in a message posted on social media for World Mental Health Day.
In his message, Dr. Muizzu said he believes every citizen should be guaranteed the right to mental health. Outlining his plans to achieve the vision, Dr. Muizzu said this can be achieved by establishing a healthy environment and providing unrestricted psychological treatment and support.
"My government will shape policies in this direction," The President-elect said.
Dr. Muizzu promised to enact a mental health law and establish an international-standard mental health hospital in L. Gan. The current administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has also given high priority to addressing mental health concerns. The outgoing government established the National Mental Health Department as an agency under the Ministry of Health and launched the "Kihineh" national mental health awareness campaign.
The first mental health treatment center in the country, the Center for Mental Health, was opened at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in March 2019 under the current administration. The services were further expanded, and a mental health center was later established at the Hulhumale Hospital. The government made arrangements for mental health treatments to be made available under the national health insurance scheme, Aadandha, and made mental health services available in five tertiary-level hospitals in the atolls.
International Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10 every year. The day was first celebrated in 1992.
