The Mental Health Protection and Promotion Bill was passed in the National Assembly on Monday and will replace the archaic Mental Hospital Ordinance Cap.140.
In his opening statement, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, pointed out that many communities across Guyana still do not have access to mental health care and the bill will ensure that this increases.
He said that the government is planning to integrate mental health services into Guyana’s primary health care system. In addition, plans to introduce telemedicine will see patients being able to have access to expert consultations with psychiatrists in the country.
