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Solon demands compensation for clients of mental health services.

On Monday, as the nation observed National Mental Health Week, Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas of Quezon City’s 5th District campaigned for a bill that would provide prompt financial benefits to anyone who needs mental health services under Republic Act 11036, often known as the Mental Health Act.

Vargas sought to amend RA 11036 through House Bill 2789 by adding a new provision addressing the rights of service users that requires the prompt release of compensation benefits and other forms of special financial assistance if they suffer a temporary or permanent mental disability while performing their duties or as a result of their office or position.

The bill raises awareness of the difficulties faced by Filipino workers and the dangers posed by workplace stress, which experts claim can result in several mental health issues like depression or even dementia.

“Filipino workers put in a lot of effort and are tenacious. According to Vargas, they must be adequately compensated with safeguards to protect their mental health and well-being for every drop of blood, sweat, and tears they put into a day’s work.

At least 3.6 million Filipinos are expected to be affected by mental health problems related to the coronavirus pandemic in 2021, including depression, alcohol use disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

According to the DOH’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, around 1.14 million Filipinos suffer from depression, 847,000 struggle with alcohol use disorders, and 520,000 others have been identified as having a bipolar illnesses.

“Four years after the Mental Health Act became law, my brother and I met with then-Rep. We hope to keep bolstering our mental health services to be sensitive to the requirements of the times, and Alfred Vargas is one of its primary writers,” he added.

Vargas, vice head of the House Committee on Social Care, also pointed out that the general population still has limited access to mental health services due to financial limitations.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) only covers inpatient costs for individuals with documented mental and behavioral disorders for acute attacks or episodes up to PHP7,800.

To integrate mental health in the Konsulta package, one of its primary care packages for Filipinos, PhilHealth stated in June 2021 that it would collaborate with the Department of Health on this project.

Vargas added, “We must continue to give rapid and accessible mental health treatments for every Filipino, even as we attempt to raise the budget for mental health services.

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