Proposed mental health code under review

THE proposed mental health code of Cagayan de Oro is being jointly scrutinized by the City Council committee on health and health insurance and committee on social services chaired by Councilors Maria Lourdes S. Gaane and Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba, respectively.

The proposed ordinance provides for a Community-Based Mental Health Program and delivery system in the city.

It may be recalled that Dr. Ramon Moreno, Chief of J.R. Borja General Hospital, proposed that Section 8 on the specialized role of partner agencies, the House of Hope should be included in the curative section as part of the examples of facilities.

Under the proposed ordinance, curative agencies led primarily by the mental health professionals such as psychiatrists will provide services to address mental health needs, and directed to cure an ongoing mental disorder. These include the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), JRBGH, and as suggested by Dr. Moreno, the House of Hope Foundation.

MENTAL HEALTH BOARD

During its last meeting, Dr. Moreno also suggested the inclusion of a representative of JRBGH as part of the composition of the Mental Health Board.

The board shall be composed of members appointed by the city mayor upon the advice of a select team of competent health professionals.

The proposed mental health board will be headed by the City Mayor and City Council representative as vice-chair.

It will also be composed of a psychiatrist from a government hospital, clinical psychologist, occupational therapist, social worker, and representatives of the House of Hope, JRBGH, Department of Education, Department of Health, medical officer of City Health Office, among others.

The joint committee will continue to tackle the proposed ordinance during its next meeting.