Cabinet backs national mental health policy

The government will implement a national policy on mental health in accordance with a plan presented by the Ministry of Health and Family.

The decision was made following today’s Cabinet meeting.

Among the policy’s main objectives are improving accessibility to mental rehabilitation programs; decentralising services for medical and psychological health; and providing sufficient financial support to the mental health sector.

The mental health sector has historically been a weak point in the nation’s profile. According to a recent report from the Ministry of Health and Family, the issue is closely related to drug and sexual abuse–both of which are serious concerns for the Maldives.

Stating that “1 out of every 3 women have experienced some form of sexual abuse with varying degrees of severity between the.ages of 15-49,” the report observes that “mental health issues and drug misuse can be congruently mapped.

“Various studies, in the Maldives, have indicated that most female clients who misuse drugs have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Additionally, other studies have revealed the lack of educational and vocational opportunities and the lack of inexpensive leisure activities.”

As of 2006 the Maldives had few mental health services and no clear mental health policy, a World Health Organisation (WHO) report found. Addressing that point, a 2011 report on the nation’s prison system recommended establishing a clear mental health act “to address the rights of offenders with a mental illness or mental disability.”

Meanwhile, a number of former inmates have reported suffering from mental disorders which either developed or were exacerbated during their time in prison.

In other news, the Cabinet also discussed the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ proposal to make Male’s Islamic Centre a national building.