The minister of Public health, Doctor Victor Atallahrevealed this Monday that 5.7% of the population in the Dominican Republic suffers or has suffered from anxiety1.3% more than people who have suffered from this mental disorder worldwide (4.4%).
The official announced the information at the presentation of the progress in mental healthheaded by President Luis Abinader and Vice President Raquel Peña, in the National Palace.
When referring to depression, Atallah indicated that 4.7% of the population in the country suffers or has suffered from this illness. mental healthwhile worldwide 5.7% present or have presented this disease.
According to the owner of Public healththese data were obtained through reports from international organizations, which also reflect that the mental disorders have generally increased throughout the world.
“Mental disorders have increased more than ever in the world. And we were at the United Nations, and there it was stated that more than 1 billion people around the world, about 12.7% of the world’s population, have suffered or suffer from some mental health disorder,” he said.
Third cause of death
Atallah considered that the most worrying thing about this reality is that the suicide It is the third cause of death among people of 15 to 29 years all over the world.
However, in light of these discouraging figures, the official highlighted that the mental disorders are already recognized as a chronic illness and are being treated within the framework of chronic conditions.
- In that sense, he added that they are no longer talking about mental healthbut of a recognized chronic condition, and highlighted that it is a “stigma which, thank God, is being worked on and changed.”
Modification of the Law of Mental Health
The minister assured that for the Government, the mental health is a priority and defined the actions that are developed in this regard as a “nation plan“.
Among them he referred to the modification of the Law of Mental Health, No. 12-06a job in which the authorities of Public health They received consultancies from international organizations, experts, societies and academia, according to the head of SP.
- A law that he “personally” brought to the president of the Senate, Ricardo de los Santos in August 2025, which is being known in the current legislature.
“We are giving follow-up constantly, it was discussed with all areas of the Governmentwith all the academic societies, with the National Social Security Council; and with the others to give sustainability to everything that has to do with mental health“, accurate.
