Dr Akjemal Magtymova, currently the WHO Representative to the Republic of Maldives has said that additional treatments should be introduced in Maldives to treat mental patients.
She made this remark Speaking at the ceremony held to introduce the National Mental Health Policy at Nasandhura Palace Hotel on Monday.
Dr Akjemal said that there are about 44,000 people in Maldives that needs mental treatment according to the 2011 studies. And from that 12358 are adults and 31392 are children.
She said that all there are only three doctors to treat them and these three doctors are all in Male’.
Dr. Akjemal said that development of a mental health policy and plan should be a priority.
She said that every year, over 800,000 almost people die from suicide; this roughly corresponds to one death every 40 seconds. The number of lives lost each year through suicide exceeds the number of deaths due to homicide and war combined.
Suicide is the fifth leading causes of death among those aged 30-49 years in 2012 globally, and is the second leading cause of death in the 15-29 years age group in 2012 globally. Overall, it is estimated that during 2012 for each adult who died of suicide there were over 20 others who made suicide attempts.
Additional treatment to mental patients should be introduced- WHO
