MENTAL health has been a long-avoided topic among Malaysians and does not seem to be a subject that is widely discussed as physical ailments.
Anyone can suffer mental health issues at any point in their lives. While it is just as important to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health, the costs could exacerbate a patient’s dilemma.
“Even if you have been paying your health insurance premiums, they do not cover the cost of psychiatric services, should you require them,” said Penang Institute policy analyst Lim Su Lin.
This includes the cost of purchasing medication, consultations with a medical specialist such as psychiatrists and psychological therapy sessions.
Lim also pointed out that the charges vary widely, depending on the provider and the type of service needed. In some cases, it ranges from RM250 to RM800. Considering the current economic conditions, the prices may as well have gone up as the demand for such services increase.
As it is, Malaysia currently lacks sufficient psychiatrists by about 38% with 204 working in government facilities.
According to the Malaysian Medics International considering the number of population in the country, Malaysia should ideally have about 3,000 psychiatrists evenly distributed across the nation.
As the number obviously falls short of expectations, the Ministry of Health is actively seeking to hire additional contract psychologists to tackle COVID-19-related mental conditions.
Health Minister Dr Adham Baba said that the ministry is requesting for additional contract psychology officers to be placed throughout the country, in line with the increased needs during the movement control order and COVID-19. – Nov 27, 2020
