Mental health services now available in all primary health clinics in Tshwane
Tshwane primary clinics started offering mental healthcare services from July 1.
The Tshwane health department has encouraged residents needing mental healthcare to make use of services at all their 24 primary healthcare clinics.
Mental illness refers to conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions and overall well-being.
Health department spokesperson, Rina Marx said their clinics started providing mental health services on Monday, July 1 as part of mental illness awareness month.
Marx said mental illness conditions could include anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
She said that Danville, Saulsville, Mamelodi West, Atteridgeville and Hercules clinics provide both primary and secondary mental health services.
Marx added that secondary clinics provide specialised mental health services when primary clinics can’t manage conditions, requiring the Community Clinicians Psychiatric Team (CCPT).
“These secondary services are provided by the Gauteng Department of Health as and when required at the mentioned facilities,” she explained.
She said this programme prioritises mental well-being promotion, illness prevention and equitable access to quality services.
Marx added that it promotes the integration of mental health into primary healthcare and community settings, alongside the provision of culturally sensitive care.
She said the interventions by the Tshwane metro were underpinned by the National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2023–2030.
Marx further said that these interventions aim to offer local swift and effective care.
“They will help break the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness,” she said.
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