Joint National Mental Health Committee (JNMHC)

Doha, March 20 (QNA) - Highlighting Qatari effort, Dr Salih Al Marri, the Assistant Secretary General for Medical Affairs at the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) , has said that the implementation of the National Plan for mental health in the State of Qatar is underway with a high level committee, the Joint National Mental Health Committee (JNMHC), formed under the auspices of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) to oversee its development. Dr Salih Al Marri, further said, Qatar acknowledges the importance of Mental Health as an indicator of the general health of the Nation, and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser - May Almighty Allah Bless Her - , in launching the National Health Strategy in 2011, said: "The success and prosperity of a nation depends upon the health of its citizens. Without sound physical and mental health, people cannot realize their potential". Dr Salih Al Marri declared that Qatar s National Vision commits to a healthy population both physically and mentally through the provision of a comprehensive world class healthcare system aiming to be an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for all its people by 2030. Reminding that Qatar has acknowledged the United Nations principles (adopted by the General Assembly, resolution 46/119 of December 17, 1991) to protect individuals with mental disorders, to improve mental health care, and to provide necessary guidelines to assure and respect human rights for individuals suffering mental disorders, he recalled that accordingly, and strictly in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, the National Health Strategy 2011-2016 is adopting comprehensive mental health services that provide care across the lifespan, from prevention, early detection, treatment, and rehabilitation, to raising public awareness. Dr Salih Ali Al Marri, the chair of the JNMHC, added that the committee includes members from Supreme Council of Health, Primary Health Care Corporation, Hamad Medical Corporation, Supreme Education Council, Ministry of Social Affairs, Supreme Council of Family Affairs, Ministry of the Interior Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, and Qatar University. "The work of this Committee and this cohesive approach will result in a comprehensive and integrated system which includes the prevention and promotion of mental health and reducing stigma. It will also ensure there is a shift in emphasis towards community based care whilst transforming and modernizing hospital- based care," said Dr. Salih Ali Al Marri. "Advances in our knowledge mean that we are now in a position to diagnose and treat most mental illness effectively. Most individuals with mental illness can live and receive care in the community rather than being hospitalized," he added. For his part, Terry Sharkey, Mental Health Implementation Manager at Hamad Medical Corporation and member of JNMHC, shared the fact that International studies show that one person in four will experience mental illness in the course of their lives; few families remain untouched by it. However, in most countries mental health services are under-budgeted and subsequently considerably under resourced. In Qatar, the rate of mental illness is similar to the worldwide incidence rates; 1 in 7 to 1 in 5 may develop depression and 1 in 100 of the population may have schizophrenia. The onset of these disorders occurs often in adolescence and early adulthood, with some conditions occurring in childhood, Terry Sharkey said. Meanwhile General Manager of PHCC Dr. Mariam Abdulmalik, said; the plan is towards community based care that is more accessible and acceptable to the public, with integration of Mental Health services with the general hospital facilities to ensure safer care in a non-stigmatizing humanistic environment. The model of care is patient-focused, aiming for the highest standard of clinical care in an academic environment that fosters best quality research, and works in close collaboration with relevant national organizations to ensure optimal mental health for the population, while also drawing on the expertise of International bodies, she added. The Committee is taking the lead on the vision, strategy and policy development for mental health issues in Qatar. The participation of many stakeholders in the Joint National Mental Health Committee reflects the scope that mental health expands through, from infancy to old age, involving all sectors of the community. The Committee has established partnerships with a range of international experts to support its work in order to ensure that service design and planning is based on the best international evidence and expertise. The JNMHC, has committed to lead developments to establish the following: 1- Finalizing the approval process of Mental Health Act. ? Finalizing the National Strategy for Mental Health. 2- Carrying the responsibility of preparing and proposing an implementation plan for the approved model of mental health care in Qatar, establishing a comprehensive and integrated mental health service. 3- Creating task forces towards the implementation of the plan, including a Child and Adolescent task force. A workshop was held with different providers of this service to discuss the needs and integration mechanism. 4- Reviewing and continuing the work that has been started in Qatar, including the development of drug addiction and forensic services in line with the Mental Health Act placed under the supervision of the Secretariat of the Supreme Council, and raising awareness, education around mental health and reducing the negative stigma that is often associated with mental health conditions is a primary concern for the Committee. Since July 3rd 2011, the JNMHC held 6 regular meetings and came up with the following achievements, aspirations and recommendations: Assigning a structured Project Management Team; Assigning the required budget with an applicable time frame; Signing a contract between Asia Australia Mental Health (AAMH) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)on behalf of the SCH, to support the implementation of a national model for the mental health care including specialized services for all age groups; Finalizing approval process of Mental Health Act and executive bylaws during the current year; Writing the mental health strategy with aspecific implementation time frame; Preparing and carrying on a site visit to the city of Melbourne in Australia to experience their model of care; Preparing and proposing an implementation plan for various mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, elderly, women and families ; Preparing and proposing an implementation plan for forensic services; and ssigning subcommittees for the implementation of those services, naming chairmen and members and determining required budget. (QNA)