Lapu-Lapu eyes free medical services for mentally challenged persons

Annabeth Cuizon, Lapu-Lapu City Social Welfare and Development Office head, says free medical services will soon be provided to mentally challenged individuals in the city. | CDNDigital file photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Lapu-Lapu City government will soon provide free medical services for mentally challenged individuals in the city.

This developed after the Lapu-Lapu City government is set to enter into a memoradum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Mental Health Association to implement this endeavor.

Annabeth Cuizon, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), said that the City Council had already approved the resolution which would allow Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan to enter a MOA with the Philippine Mental Health Association.

Cuizon said that psychologists from the group would give a free monthly check-up to mentally challenged individuals, and help monitor their medications.

“After ma-signan ang MOA, monthly nana ang ilang pagbisita, pagmonitor sa atong mga katong naay mga behavorial problems ug kadtong dunay depression,” Cuizon said.

(After the MOA would be signed, they will then visit the city monthly to monitor those with behavioral problems and those suffering from depression.)

She said that they would coordinate with the Lapu-Lapu City Health Department (LCHD) for the master list of individuals with mental problems. 

The LCHD will also provide for the medicines of these patients.

Even if they had not yet signed the MOA, Cuizon said that they had already started to coordinate with the group.

“Pero karon nagsugod nata nila ug coordinate. Kaning atong mga mo-attempt ug suicide, ato naning gipa-counsel nila sa ilang mga psychologist,” she added.

(We had already started to coordinate with them. Those who tried to try to commit suicide, they had already been undergoing counseling from these psychologists.)

Cuizon was referring to the three individuals, who tried to end their lives by trying to jump off the Mactan-Mandaue bridge.

Due to this, Cuizon encouraged those, who have a family member suffering from depression, stress, or anxiety to always monitor them.

She said that they would also need to ensure that the member of their family, who is mentally challenged, had taken his or her medicines regularly.

Aside from this, the CSWDO has also opened a hotline for those who are suffering from depression and are seeking professional help. They can be reached through these numbers: 340-5369; 3400963; or 09531093700.

/dbs

Related Stories

Ahong proposes cash reward for v-hire driver who stopped suicide attempt on Mactan Bridge

Mental health, suicide hotline calls up in 1Q 2021 — DOH

Chan wants railings installed in old Mactan-Mandaue bridge to deter suicides