ISKANDAR PUTERI: The number of patients visiting health clinics in Johor for mental health issues increased by more than tenfold in three months, from June to August.
Johor health and environment committee chairman R. Vidyananthan (pic) said that the number had jumped from 32 patients in June and 46 in July, to 678 in August.
“The spike in numbers was due to the launch of an online self-screening for mental health by the state health department on Aug 9. It was part of an initiative to address mental health issues.
“The online QR-DASS (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Score) allows those aged 16 and above to take part in the screening voluntarily and get immediate test results on their mental health status.
“If the result of the screening shows something that is abnormal, they will be encouraged to go to the health clinic for further checks.
“They will also be given a link to make an appointment at the clinic,” he told the state assembly seating here on Tuesday (Dec 1).
Vidyananthan was responding to a question from Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali (PH-Paloh) on whether the state government has taken any proactive measures to tackle mental health challenges faced by the people due to financial problems, loss of jobs, and other impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added that some 287,204 individuals went through the online screening in August and 7,311 in September.
Johor health and environment committee chairman R. Vidyananthan (pic) said that the number had jumped from 32 patients in June and 46 in July, to 678 in August.
“The spike in numbers was due to the launch of an online self-screening for mental health by the state health department on Aug 9. It was part of an initiative to address mental health issues.
“The online QR-DASS (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Score) allows those aged 16 and above to take part in the screening voluntarily and get immediate test results on their mental health status.
“If the result of the screening shows something that is abnormal, they will be encouraged to go to the health clinic for further checks.
“They will also be given a link to make an appointment at the clinic,” he told the state assembly seating here on Tuesday (Dec 1).
Vidyananthan was responding to a question from Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali (PH-Paloh) on whether the state government has taken any proactive measures to tackle mental health challenges faced by the people due to financial problems, loss of jobs, and other impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added that some 287,204 individuals went through the online screening in August and 7,311 in September.
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