President constitutes National Mental Health Department

President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih | Photo: President’s Office

Malé, Maldives – President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih constituted the National Mental Health Department under the Ministry of Health on Thursday.

The new department was established under the discretion vested in the President by Section 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives.

The National Mental Health Department was established to promote mental health in Sri Lanka, to raise awareness of mental health in the society, to define mental health programs and to implement programs and efforts to achieve mental health policies and goals.

In addition, the agency is responsible for ensuring that government health facilities provide mental health services, strengthening relations with private individuals, associations and organizations engaged in mental health related activities and providing them with technical assistance and advice.

According to a directive by the President’s Office, the number 489 should be used in all correspondence addressed to the new authority as per the numbering system for state agencies.