‘Insurance for mental health needed’

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry needs to start the ball rolling for insurance coverage for mental healthcare and treatment for Malaysians, says patron of the Malaysia Psychiatric Association Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).

“There is a need to take an initiative on the subject and it should come from the Health Ministry,” he said, adding that similar coverage has been offered in Singapore.

Lee said NGOs supportive of mental health causes could play a role in explaining the need for insurance coverage by sending a memorandum to both the government and insurance association.

“Malaysians struggling with mental health problems must also come forward and stand up for their rights for insurance coverage,” he added.

Lee also lauded the ministry’s support for better mental health by improving the country’s mental health assessment system through programmes like Health Mind for secondary school students as well as the Suicide Prevention Initiatives.