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The number of patients suffering from mental health disorders has significantly risen over the past year, according to a report presented by the Minister of Health, Ummy Mwalimu, during the budget session for the year 2024/2025 in Dodoma.
According to the report, from July 2023 to March 2024, a total of 293,952 patients sought treatment at healthcare facilities for mental health conditions. This accounts for 6.3% of all patients treated for non-communicable diseases. In comparison to the previous year, where 246,544 patients sought treatment for mental health issues, this increase represents a 0.3% rise.
Furthermore, the report highlighted that the number of patients admitted to healthcare facilities for mental health disorders was 19,506, which amounts to 7% of all admissions for non-communicable diseases.
In contrast to the 13,262 patients admitted in the year 2022/23 for mental health conditions, this increase of 116 patients indicates a positive shift in the mental health sector in the country.
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Ummy explained that this rise in mental health patients can be attributed to an increased awareness within the community about these disorders and improved accessibility to services.
The government has been collaborating with development partners to strengthen mental health services, and they are currently finalizing a strategy for the provision of mental health and psychosocial support.
Mental health disorders encompass conditions such as substance abuse, psychoses, epilepsy, and neuroses. Ummy urged citizens to refrain from stigmatizing individuals with mental health conditions and encouraged them to seek early examination and treatment at healthcare facilities.
Given the increase in mental health patients, it is crucial for the government and society as a whole to intensify efforts in improving mental health services, providing further education on these issues, and eliminating the stigma that may hinder patients from accessing necessary treatment and support. It is hoped that these initiatives to enhance mental health services will bring about positive changes in the lives of patients and society at large
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