Mental health issues are rarely
discussed. The stigma attached to it still cloud the eyes of the people. But
like physical health, mental health is also important. However, availing
psychiatric treatment is not cheap. It is actually expensive, thus, most of
patients with mental health problems opt not to seek any professional help.
With the high number of
psychiatric cases in the municipality, last March 26, 2019, a mental health
free clinic headed by Dra. Hazel Eiza Soriano - Biclar, an ADZU-SOM alumna and
a psychiatrist from Doctor Jose P. Rizal Memorial Hospital from Dapitan,
Zamboanga del Norte, was brought to the Sergio Osmeña. A total of 24 patients
were catered that day. The clinic was sponsored by the Rural Health Unit of the
Municipality in coordination with the medical students in Barangay Venus.
Aside from the clinic, a Focus
Group Discussion on The Cost of Availing Mental Health Services led by Dr.
Dinah Palmera P. Nadera, a mental health policy consultant was also conducted
among the selected patients and their care givers.
With the number of psychiatrists
in the country, people living in far flung places like Sergio Osmeña would need
to travel 2-3 hours just to see one. Thus, this free clinic brought hope not
only to the patients, but to their families as well.
Oral anti-psychotic medications
and injectables were also given to the patients during the free clinic in
Sergio Osmeña. For the continuity of care, patients were also sent to DJRMH for
their follow-up check-up. It was coordinated by the medical students and the
barangay council of Venus. Another set of medicines amounting around Php
25,000.00 were also procured through the help if Malasakit Center.
The community people and the
medical students are indeed grateful to the psychiatrists, psychometrician,
Ma’am Sherwayne Joy Entrina, RN and NDPs of Sergio Osmeña Municipal Health
Center for making the mental health project a success.
This program is not the end, but the start of the war of Sergio Osmeña especially Barangay Venus against mental health problems.
