More trained psychiatrists urged to come forward

MIRI: More trained psychiatrists and counsellors are urged to come forward to fill the gap due to the shortage of such personnel in the state.

Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said there are only 360 registered psychiatrists in both public and private sectors in the country.

The ratio of psychiatrist to Malaysian population is 1: 200,000 while WHO is recommending 1:10,000.

“This is very alarming and a serious matter we should look into, especially here in Miri because we only have two psychiatrists while the number of mental health cases is increasing each year,” she said when officiating at the opening of the state-level World Health Day celebration themed ‘Depression — Let’s Talk’ at Miri Indoor Stadium here on Tuesday, attended by more than 900 people.

Fatimah said depression could happen to anyone, regardless of age or race, and hoped that more trained psychiatrists or counsellors would come forward.

“The lack of these professionals is alarming. The issue must be addressed seriously and I am sure we have many counsellors here.

“If I am not mistaken, we used to have many teachers taking up counseling courses.

“There was even an association for these counsellors which was very active. It’s time we re-activate the association to complement the existing number of psychiatrists and counsellors,” she said.

World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged all nations to take action to encourage more individuals with depression to seek professional help.