Doctors at all health centres will be trained to identify depression- Dr. Anthony

Some 200 doctors and medexes incharge of health centres all across the country will be receiving specialised training so that they can identify depression, Health Minister Dr. Anthony said.

The Health Minister, speaking to the News Room on the sidelines of an event on Tuesday, said that healthcare professionals, in many instances, cannot readily detect this mental illness.

He, however, emphasised that it is crucial to detect depression early so that adequate support can be provided. It is also important in preventing suicide.

Dr Anthony believes many lives can be saved.

The local health authorities have engaged the World Health Organization (WHO) on this training programme, Dr. Anthony said.

It is a six-week programme comprising several modules and the Health Minister said within the “next couple of years” all of these healthcare workers should be trained.

This focus on training comes amid national efforts to improve mental health care in Guyana. In August, a new Mental Health Promotion and Protection Bill was passed, promising more support to mental health patients.

With this new law, the outdated Mental Health Ordinance of 1930 has been repealed.

Dr. Anthony, on Tuesday, said these efforts are meant to reduce the stigma of mental health in Guyana and encourage more people to seek support. It is for this reason the training for the doctors and medexes are crucial.