National Mental Health Program (NMHP) [0] now, under the Degenerative Disease Office [0] of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC) [0], Department of Health. It aims at integrating mental health within the total health system, initially within the DOH system, and the local health system. Within the DOH, it has initiated and sustained the integration process within the hospital and public health systems, both at the central and regional level. Furthermore, it aims at ensuring equity in the availability, accessibility, appropriateness and affordability of mental health and psychiatric services in the country.

Brief Situationer

Mental health is an integral component of total health. Issues on mental health includes not only the traditional mental disorders but as important are the concerns of target populations vulnerable to psychosocial risks brought about by extreme life experiences (e.g. disasters, near death experiences, heinous and violent crimes, internal displacement brought about by religious and civil unrest) as well as the psychosocial concerns of daily living (e.g. maintaining a sense of well being in these difficult times).

Services for mental health must be available within the public health as well as the hospital system of the country. Such services must have promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative component.

Vision

Full integration of Mental Health in the national system

Mission

To make available, accessible, affordable and equitable quality mental health care/services to the Filipinos especially the poor, the underserved and high risk populations.

Mandate

To provide the Department of Health with necessary services related to planning, programmming and project development in mental health.

Functions

1. Advisory body to the Secretary of Health regarding mental health concerns.
2. Acts as a policy making body regarding mental health concerns
3. Involves itself in training, research, supervision and, monitoring of mental health resources/programs services.
4. Mobilizes mental health resources for advocacy, planning, implementation and service delivery.

Guiding Principles

• Mental health is not only limited to traditional mental illnesses but also includes the psychosocial concomitants of daily living.
• Mental health programs must recognize the importance of community efforts with multisectoral and multidisciplinary involvement.
• Mental health programs must address the promotive,preventive, curative and rehabilitative aspects of care.
• Psychiatric patient care extends beyond the mental hospitals, and must be made available in general hospitals, health centers and homes.
• Mental health activities and interventions must be done closest to where the need or the patient is.

Strategies

• National diffusion and democratization of capabilities of mental health facilities.
• Intensification and strengthening the training in psychiatry and mental health.
• Peripheral development
• Development of clinical policies
• Institution building
• Focus on research
• Advocacy
• Networking

Priority Areas of Concern

• Substance abuse
• Disaster and crisis management
• Women and children and other vulnerable groups
• Traditional mental illnesses (schizophrenia, depression and anxiety)
• Epilepsy and other neurological disorders
• Overseas Filipino workers