MANILA, Philippines?Around 32 percent of government employee-respondents had experienced mental health problems at least once, 15 percent had specific phobias, 10 percent were alcoholics, and 6 percent suffered from depression. These are findings of a 2006 pilot study done by the Department of Health?s National Epidemiological Center on several government agencies at the National Capital Region.

The study involved employees from the 20 national agencies in Metro Manila.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque revealed the data during a speech before the First Mental Health Summit on April 21.

Psychiatrist Dr. Eduardo Tolentino stressed, however, that the data were ?based on a pilot study of only over 300 subjects,? and that a nationwide study would have to follow this year as soon as the funds are ready.

Promote mental health

Duque said part of DoH?s goals is to promote mental health in the general population, to reduce the risks and prevalence of mental disorders, and improve the quality of life of those who are affected. ?These are lofty goals but crafted in realistic proportions,? he said.

Using the department?s recently completed mental health assessment system based on the World Health Organization-Assessment Instrument for Mental Health System, Duque revealed that 5 percent of health care expenditures by the DoH (or an estimated P484 million) are directed toward mental health.

Mental health facilities

He added that 95 percent of these are spent on the operations of mental health facilities.

The national center for Mental Health in NCR, which has around 4,200 beds, currently serves as the main referral unit for mental illnesses in the country.

There are acute psychiatric units in seven DoH-retained hospitals in NCR and psychiatric in-patient regional facilities in 10 of the 17 regions.

These DOH facilities are complemented by other government facilities with mental health units which are able to provide a wide range of services including acute to long-term in-patient care, crisis stabilization care and specialized care for children, adolescents and the elderly.

?However, there are no district in-patient facilities in the country and there are also few community mental health services available for our patients. And this is where we need to do more so that we can make mental health services more accessible to patients at the community level.?