BINTULU: The Department of Psychiatry in Bintulu Hospital now offers more comprehensive mental health services, including dedicated wards for men and women that have been fully operational since January 2024.
Its director, Dr. Suzalinna Sulaiman said the hospital also offered outpatient treatment services for patients who needed periodic treatment either at home or at a psychiatric clinic.
Speaking in conjunction with the World Mental Health Day and National Counselling Month, she talked about the Bintulu Community Mental Health Centre (MENTARI), which was awaiting approval to rent a new premises.
“Despite that, MENTARI Bintulu remains active in providing health screening through the ‘Body Talk’ system, which can be accessed through the WhatsApp or Facebook application.
“It is our hope that if the rental of the new premises is smoothly managed, we will be able to provide physical services and implement a rehabilitation programme for mental health patients in Bintulu,” she added.
“The theme ‘Prioritise Mental Health at Work’ is expected to increase awareness of the importance of mental health,” she said.
She also stressed that the efforts to eliminate the stigma of mental health issues was crucial to encourage individuals to seek the necessary treatment, through the various services available.
