The Minister of Public Health, Cristina Lustemberg, warned that there are 30,000 people on the waiting list for treatment for mental health conditions.
The approach must be interdisciplinary. “It cannot be that, having an Integrated National Health System, access to mental health care is a privilege in some places,” she stated.
Her remarks were made during the presentation of the “National Action for Mental Health” initiative, which involved more than 20 working groups.
Authorities reported on support funds allocated to these initiatives, targeting issues prioritized by communities, regional and inter-institutional networks, and the integration of cultural, sports, and educational spaces.
Funding will also be used to strengthen agreements with the State Health Services Administration, the Ministry of Social Development, departmental governments, and programs such as suicide prevention.
The plan includes the appointment of a mental health coordinator in each department of the country to monitor the implementation of the plan.
In Uruguay, 29% of the adult population shows symptoms of psychological distress, and 24% are at the highest level of loneliness.
