Healthcare facilities asked to provide mental care too

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) in Central Visayas is calling on healthcare facilities across the region to expand their services to the Outpatient Mental Health Package (OMHP).

The initiative aims to bring mental health services closer to communities and ensure more individuals receive the care they need.

According to PhilHealth-7 public relations officer Dina Cinchez, six accredited health institutions in the region currently offer the OMHP. These are the Borbon Health Unit, Badian Primary Healthcare Facility, Bogo Health Office, Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center in Bohol, Medellin Rural Health Unit, and Santo Niño Rural Health Unit in San Remigio.

Cinchez emphasized that collaboration with healthcare facilities is crucial for the success of this initiative.

“We would like to encourage other health facilities to apply for accreditation para daghan pa ang maka-avail sa atong kaning mental health package,” said Cinchez

The OMHP consists of two types: the General Mental Health Service Package provides a ?9,000 annual benefit, while the Specialty Mental Health Package offers a ?16,000 benefit per year.

General mental health services are available through Rural Health Units, Community Offices, hospitals, Department of Health mental health access sites, and free-standing facilities with trained physicians.

On the other hand, specialty mental health services require hospitals with Level 2 or 3 accreditation, such as the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and other district hospitals.

In addition, custodial care facilities with psychiatrists, neurologists, and psychologists are also fit for accreditation.

While PhilHealth continues to encourage facilities to become accredited, Cinchez clarified that participation is voluntary.

“Si PhilHealth nagpadayon og invite sa health facilities na accredited but we cannot force them because ang mandate is wala nag-ingon nga pinugsanay,” she explained.

Facilities must assess their own capacity to operate and provide mental health services before seeking accreditation.

The General Mental Health Service Package covers screening, assessment by a mhGAP-trained doctor, diagnostics, 12 follow-up visits, psychoeducation, psychosocial support, and 25 medicines under the Mental Health Medicines Access Program (mhMAP).

Meanwhile, the Specialty Mental Health Package includes assessment, specialist diagnostics, 12 follow-up visits, 25 medicines in mhMAP, additional medications from the Philippine National Formulary, and psychotherapy.

To qualify for psychiatric services, individuals must be at least 10 years old. However, there are no age restrictions for those requiring neurological services.

Launched on October 12, 2023, the OMHP aligns with Republic Act 11036, or the Mental Health Act, which mandates the treatment of mental disorders. In relation, Republic Act 11223 titled as the Universal Health Care Act, supports comprehensive mental health services and medication access. — (FREEMAN)