The Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), launched the 2024-2028 Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH) Strategic Framework to guide the development and implementation of mental health policies, programs, and services to address the significant burden of mental illness and improve mental health and well-being of Filipinos in the country.

Supported by the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health, the PCMH promotes the basic right of Filipinos to mental health by implementing mental health policies, strengthening patient navigation and referral pathways, creating the Mental Health Internal Review Board, and training media groups on ethical and responsible reporting and portrayal of suicide.

The event also featured the expansion of the PhilHealth Mental Health Benefit Package, which provides mental health benefits for outpatient services. The primary care package includes 12 consultations, diagnostic follow-up, psychoeducation, and psychosocial support provided by mental health outpatient facilities for medicine access sites.

The launch was attended by PCMH Council Members from different agencies including DOH, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“I call for all stakeholders and partners to stand with us in our fight against issues that underlie mental health concerns such as job insecurity, poverty, substance abuse problems, abusive environments, and many more.

With the launch of the 2024-2028 Philippine Council for Mental Health Strategic Framework, I am confident that we can address more mental health and wellness concerns in the country towards a Healthy Pilipinas, kung saan bawat Pilipino ay may Ginhawa ng Isip at Damdamin, at Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga sa Bagong Pilipinas," said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.