Subsidised psychiatry treatment in Selangor Mental Sihat (SEHAT) programme

Zainal Abidin, Muhammad 'Adil and Rusli, Mohammad Farhan and Abdul Khaiyom, Jamilah Hanum and Md Rosli, Ahmad Nabil and Ridzwan, Hijaz and Mohd Tohit, Nor Faiza and Mohamad Fuad, Adha Radha Nasheha and Badrol Hisham, Afaf Qamelia and Zamzuri, Iman Aisha and Mahmud, Siti Mariah (2023) Subsidised psychiatry treatment in Selangor Mental Sihat (SEHAT) programme. Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 23 (Suppl. 1). ISSN 1675-0306 E-ISSN 2590-3829

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Abstract

Summary With the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the nation in 2020, it can be seen that it has impacted negatively on public health, moreso on mental health. The Selangor Mental Health (SEHAT) program was introduced in 2021, to which it offered a holistic approach to mental health issues starting from advocacy, promotion, screening and early intervention. SEHAT introduced a subsidised psychiatry treatment initiative in July 2022, providing substantial cost subsidisation of mental health treatment for lower socioeconomic groups. This landmark strategic purchasing initiative was pioneered by the Selangor state government together with the multidisciplinary expertise from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Introduction Mental illness has marked its importance in public health over these past few years. It is estimated that half of the world’s population lacks the access to essential health services, including mental health services - in which effective care is limited (1). Several barriers to receiving care were noted to be lack of knowledge on the illness, stigmas on help-seeking, or financial constraints (2, 3). With the introduction of the subsidised psychiatry initiative, it enables communities and individuals to receive better quality and affordable care for their mental health conditions, regardless of their age or socio-demographic characteristics. This goes in line with the WHO goal of ensuring universal health coverage, where no one is left behind (4). Hence, this study aims to provide and explore an alternative mental health care access pathway for individuals seeking psychiatric treatment in Selangor. Materials and Methods In the Selangor SELangkah application, there is a mental health module, the Mental SEHAT which provides validated questionnaires to screen for users’ level of mental health through DASS-21, PSS-10, PHQ-9 and GDS-15. Based on their scores, users’ will then be encouraged to follow the modules and watch more than 60 psychoeducation videos to have a better understanding of their situation. Meanwhile, the establishment of the SEHAT hotline for those who are anxious and in distress, helps them to reach trained counsellors via phone calls immediately. For those who have severe scores and wish to get the subsidised treatment, the flow process provided by the SEHAT program is accessible and convenient since users will have to answer screening questionnaires for screening purposes through the SELangkah apps to screen their eligibility. Once eligible, they will get immediately referred by the SelCare (a healthcare programme under the Selangor state) clinics. Each patient will be given an approximation of three to five appointment slots with the psychiatrist. A total 14 psychiatrists from Malaysian Psychiatric Association (MPA) are involved in this subsidisation programme. Few of many are cooperative and compliant with treatments and follow-ups, having Malaysian citizenship and prioritisation given for B40 group income. Results and Discussion As of 1st March 2023, a total of 157 users had already registered for this subsidised psychiatric intervention program. 132 of them were screened and referred to psychiatrists for further intervention, whereas the remaining 25 are still waiting for their first appointment with SelCare clinics for subsequent screening to re-assess their eligibility for the subsidisation program. Out of the 700 slots offered, 396 were utilised for the 132 registered users, covering for their consultations and treatments. Majority of the patients were 18 to 30 years old (47.5%) and female (54.5%) and Malay ethnicity (59%). Conclusion This subsidised psychiatry initiative proved to play a significant role in getting people with mental health issues access to the treatment they needed. Several strategies can be made and improved to increase awareness of users who are currently in need but not receiving treatment which might be due to some barriers they met whilst trying to seek treatment. The accessibility through mobile apps encouraged those with mental health problems to reach for help.

Item Type:	Article (other)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Mental health issues, mental health intervention, subsidised psychiatry, digital health, public mental health
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Psychology Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Community Health & Family Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Psychiatry
Depositing User:	Dr Muhammad Adil Zainal Abidin
Date Deposited:	04 Aug 2023 11:04
Last Modified:	04 Aug 2023 11:04
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/105826

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