Santo Domingo.- The minister of Public health, Victor Atallahannounced the strengthening of the public mental health policies in the Dominican Republic, with emphasis on prevention, early detection and expansion of care networksreaffirming the Government’s commitment to prioritizing this issue within the national health system.
The official called on Dominican society to recognize the depression as a real health conditionwhich requires timely attention and a comprehensive approachhighlighting that the education and guidance about your signs and symptoms They are essential to avoid serious consequences.
“Depression must be identified and treated in all spaces: primary care, educational centers, work and community environments. Every day without attention can aggravate this condition,” said Atallah.
Strengthening mental health networks
The minister reported that the Ministry of Public Healthin coordination with the National Health Service (SNS)has strengthened the mental health care networksincreasing the number of professionals and expanding the services available nationwide.
By 2025, the country will go from 925 to 1,100 psychologistsof 145 to 166 psychiatristsand from 14 to 17 Crisis Intervention Units.
Deficit of psychiatrists and actions underway
Although he recognized the shortage of specialists in psychiatryAtallah assured that work is being done on the curriculum review, incentives for specialized training and supervised medical training programsin coordination with medical societies.
Likewise, he indicated that during 2026 will continue Expansion of coverage and quality of mental health servicesalong with a greater inter-institutional articulation.
“Investing in mental health is investing in development and well-being. Our goal is to build a more resilient and emotionally healthy society,” he stated.
Depression: a public health challenge
On his side, the Vice Minister of Collective Health, Eladio Perezstressed that depression It’s not a weaknessbut a condition that can affect any person and whose prevention requires the commitment of the entire society.
Meanwhile, the Director of Mental Health, Alejandro Uribehighlighted that depression is among the three main causes of medical consultationalthough it continues to be underrated due to social stigma.
Commemoration of World Day to Fight Depression
The minister led the commemoration ceremony of the World Day to Fight Depressionduring which the panel was developed “Let’s talk about Depression: Recognize, Accompany and Treat”with the participation of specialists who addressed risk factors, warning signs, prevention and self-care.
The panel included the participation of Dr. Elizabeth Ruíz, in charge of Psychosocial Services; Margaret Medina, coordinator of Mental Health Promotion and Prevention; and as a guest, Ileana Montero, MA psychologist
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 332 million people live with depression in the world. In the Dominican Republic, the estimated prevalence is 4.7%, while in Latin America it reaches 12%, with an increase of more than 30% after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vice ministers, directors and representatives of different entities participated in the event, including the president of the Dominican College of Psychologists (CODOPSI), Yanis Mejía.
