MANILA, Philippines - Doctors are pushing for the passage of the proposed Mental Health Act.
The proposed measure is on the agenda of the “Healthy Mind Summit” to be held on Oct. 29 at the SMX Convention Center, said Edgardo Juan Tolentino Jr., president of the Philippine Psychiatric Association.
During a health forum on Quezon City sponsored by the Philippine College of Physicians, Tolentino said the legislation is necessary to protect the mental health of Filipinos.
“There are facilities but these are the endpoints. There has to be a (concrete) program,” he said.
Tolentino said the measure also aims to protect the rights of the mentally ill, who could be considered a disadvantaged group.
He said the proposed law would also protect those who have mental health problems.