Ministry of Health and PAHO Advance Preparations for Mental Health Bill
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), is moving closer to the introduction of a new Mental Health Bill in Antigua and Barbuda.
Ahead of the legislation’s presentation to Parliament, the Ministry has begun a series of public consultations designed to ensure that a wide range of voices help shape the final draft.
As part of the process, a PAHO mission team, Dr. Soumitra Pathare, Dr. Taraleen Malcom, and Felicia Carter met with Health Minister, the Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph, and Minister of State, the Hon. Senator Michael Joseph. Senior officials, including Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamaria DeCastro, Deputy CMO Dr. Teri-Ann Joseph, and Principal Nursing Officer (Ag.) Clarissa Christopher, were also in attendance.
The team also held discussions with stakeholders in the mental health sector and toured the proposed site for a new psychiatric hospital, offering technical recommendations for its development.
In a bid to keep the public informed and engaged, the delegation is making a series of media appearances. On Friday, they were hosted by ABS, and later today they will join the Browne and Browne Show on PointeFM at 6 p.m. On Sunday, they are expected to appear on WTP with Darren Matthew Ward at 12:30 p.m.
The Ministry of Health is encouraging members of the public to tune in, participate in consultations, and share their views as the country takes steps to modernize its mental health framework.
While we addressing mental health where is the chief psychiatrist in all this? Shouldn’t there be some sort of representation
Kudos to the Health Ministry and PAHO for prioritizing mental wellness our communities need it more than ever.
Is there a training for Mental health and psychology??
As a worker at a medical institution and who passionately wants to study psychology and mental health, i strongly believe all work places need a mental health day along with the two days off.