Community-based mental health services to provide alternative solution to hospital psychiatric care in Turkey
WHO
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2011 focusing on "investing in mental health", a new national mental health action plan for Turkey was launched. The plan envisaged the establishment of a comprehensive network of community-based mental health services as an alternative solution to hospital psychiatric care.
Launching the ambitious action plan in the presence of the media, Minister of Health Recep Akdag invited his team of national experts and Dr Maria Cristina Profili, WHO Representative to answer media questions regarding the new concept of services for mental health care that will be provided in the community. He also highlighted the positive experience in some European countries that have undertaken similar a reform process, including Italy as one of the pioneer of mental health reform in the 60's.
The Minister of Health Recep Akdag also informed the media that, through the establishment of a new network of community based mental health services, the use of the psychiatric hospitals will soon become history. Bringing the services closer to the people's needs will enable users and their families to benefit from more support from human centered services while enduring a series of difficulties due to mental disorders.
The action plan was developed by a team of national experts with the advice and in consultation of WHO Headquarters, the Regional Office for the European Region and the Country Office in Turkey. The Minister thanked WHO for its support and sought further support in the implementation of the action plan.
