The Bhutanese Leading the way.
During the 8th Meet-the-Press Session, the Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk said the government is committed to integrating mental health services into the broader health framework.
Lyonpo noted the key role played by the PEMA Secretariat, which was instituted to consolidate and coordinate mental health interventions across the country under the guidance of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen.
“The PEMA is mandated to ensure a comprehensive approach that addresses not only mental health services but also the broader determinants of health that lie beyond the health sector,” the minister said.
This approach encompasses the full continuum of mental health care, from promoting mental well-being and preventing mental health issues to providing acute response services, treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, and aftercare.
Lyonpo explained that the government’s strategy aims to bring mental health services closer to the community by integrating these services into general health care settings.
He added, “To bring mental health services closer to the community, integrating mental health services into general health services, the following programs have been initiated and are underway: A stepped approach is underway, beginning with maternal mental health screenings for assessing common mental health challenges to mobilize treatment services if required. Training of health assistants and health service providers in terms of screening, basic management, and referrals is under process with revising the training manuals to strengthen these services further.”
As part of this integration, the Mental Health Manual for Integrated Mental Health Care has been reviewed, and the government is now training health professionals at Primary Health Centers (PHCs) nationwide on community-based, people-centered mental health services.
He said, “This initiative aims to ensure that basic mental health services are accessible at the community level, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, mental health professionals are being recruited, and general healthcare providers are receiving training to better manage mental health cases.”
The minister said that one of the most significant recent developments is the establishment of a National Mental Health Helpline.
The minister also pointed out that the National Mental Health Strategy, currently under review, aligns with Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year-Plan (FYP) and is expected to be finalized by 2024. This strategy will address a wide spectrum of mental health issues, from prevention and promotion to treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, and aftercare. Notably, workplace mental health has been identified as a priority. There are currently five National Psychiatrists working at the JDWNRH and 20 Clinical Counselors stationed at various health facilities across the country.
To address the shortage of mental health professionals, the intake for pre-service training in Clinical Counseling at KGUMSB has been increased. This is part of the government’s plan to ensure that all hospitals have clinical counselors as soon as possible.
