In an effort to commemorate July as a Mental Illness Awareness month, basic mental health services have been made available to the public at 24 basic healthcare clinics in Tshwane throughout this month.
Mental illness refers to conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions and overall well-being.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and depression are a few examples of these illnesses.
The stigma associated with mental illness, which prevents individuals from seeking care, is the city’s biggest issue. This is according to MMC for Health in the City of Tshwane, Rina Marx.
Significant achievement by the city
“The introduction of mental health services into the comprehensive package of primary healthcare services already on offer at the city’s clinics is a significant achievement.
“These interventions aim to offer residents timely and effective care. They also help break the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness,” said Marx.
Marx said they advocate for the integration of mental health into primary healthcare and community settings. That’s alongside the provision of culturally sensitive care.
She urged residents to utilise the services as they are an integrated approach to improve access for community members in need of such services.
“All interventions by the City are underpinned by the National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2023-2030. This plan prioritises mental well-being promotion, illness prevention and equitable access to quality services.”
The services at the clinics include prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, counselling and referrals.
Clinics where service is provided
“The Danville, Saulsville, Mamelodi West, Atteridgeville and Hercules Clinics offer both primary and secondary mental health services. Secondary services are provided at these clinics when mental health conditions cannot be managed by the staff at primary healthcare clinics but require the more specialised Community Clinicians Psychiatric Team (CCPT).”
The secondary services are provided by the Gauteng department of health as and when required.
“Key action areas include organisation of services, financing, promotion and prevention. Also intersectoral collaboration, advocacy, human rights, special populations, quality improvement. Monitoring and evaluation, human resources and training, psychotropic medication – and research and evaluation of policy and services.”
