Mental health problems:

Minister blames politicos, officials

Angoda Mental Hospital re-named:

Nadira Gunatilleke

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena yesterday blamed politicians and public servants for mental health problems among Sri Lankans. "Politicians and public servants do not perform their duties properly and by not being responsible," the Minister said.

Minister Sirisena was speaking after re-naming Angoda Mental Hospital as `National Mental Health Institute' at a ceremony yesterday. The Minister said the biggest challenge in the health sector today is minimizing the number of patients seeking medical treatment for mental and physical illnesses.

"When it comes to development, the main problem in the country is not performing their duties. The same problem indirectly increases people's mental problems," he said.

According to the Minister more attention should be paid to improve mental health.

Public dedication, determination and enthusiasm is essential to develop the country as a whole.

The progress or destruction of a country or an institution depends on its leadership.

Today the world is commercially corrupted. Everything is being decided on money, the Minister said.

"I visited the prison and the mental hospital. Both gave me good experiences which will help me in the future when performing my duties", the Minister said.

National Judiciary Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit and the Community Mental Health Nursing Service were also launched yesterday. Hospital Director Dr Jayan Mendis, specialist doctors and others were present.