'Mental disorders affect nine percent'
Nadira GUNATILLEKE
Around nine percent of the total population of Sri Lanka suffer from
some sort of mental disorder and it is very important to protect the
mental health of the rest of 91 percent, Health Ministry Secretary Dr
Ruberu pointed out recently, Health Ministry spokesman said.
According to the spokesman Dr Ruberu pointed out the statistics
during a recent National Workshop held at the BMICH, Colombo in
connection with `Evidence based practices in mental health at primary
level care and the community'. Dr Ruberu also mentioned the importance
of protecting the process of treating mental disorders. A break down of
a single part of the process can cause a significant damage to the
system.
Doctors presented their research findings during the workshop.
Details on mental health programs going on in all districts were
presented. The doctors got the opportunity to exchange their
experiences. WHO Representative to Sri Lanka Dr F R Mehta, Mental Health
Unit Director Dr Lakshmi Somathunga and many others were present. |