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Kamis, 07 November 2019 11:23:00

Qualitas: GP Clinics as First Line of Care for Mental Health

SELANGOR, MALAYSIA - 6 November 2019 - In response to worrying issues regarding mental health in Malaysia, homegrown and leading primary healthcare provider Qualitas Medical Group ('Qualitas') hosted a panel session to raise awareness and initiate robust discussions on mental health at the workplace.

Themed, "Mental Health at the Workplace: The Unspoken Truth", the session was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), the Malaysian Society for Occupational Safety and Health (MSOSH) as well as Third Party Administrators, corporate and industrial leaders.

The event was officiated by Yang Berhormat Puan Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. In her keynote speech, Yang Berhormat Puan Hannah Yeoh emphasised the pressing need to reduce the stigma on mental health issues within the community and the important role that general practitioners can play as the first line of care on mental health.
 
Delivering a keynote address at the session, Chairman and Managing Director of Qualitas Medical Group, Yang Berbahagia Dato' Dr Noorul Ameen Mohamed Ishack said, "Mental health has been extensively discussed by key authorities, non-profit organisations for many years. Sadly, individuals suffering from depression and anxiety are reluctant to seek help as they fear the stigma of being stereotyped.

The time has come for immediate practical actions to be taken by all stakeholders -- The general practitioners should be empowered to play a more active and positive role in the management of mental health wellness; and for that, changes need to be made by the Government in empowering general practitioners to act as the gatekeeper on mental health."
 
While depression and anxiety pose a mental health challenge for sufferers, these issues also have a significant economic impact on the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) this year, depression and anxiety is estimated to cost the global economy approximately US$1 trillion per year in lost productivity.[1] As businesses thrive on optimum productivity, it is beneficial to both employers and employees to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
 
In 2017, a study conducted by AIA Bhd titled "Malaysia's Healthiest Workplace by AIA Vitality" reported that 12% of employees have high level of anxiety and depressive symptoms.[2] A follow up survey in 2018 further revealed that 50.2% of employees have at least one dimension of work-related stress.[3] This worrying trend poses a challenge for individuals, companies and society in Malaysia which can have tremendous repercussions if left unaddressed.
 
Dr Shawaludin Husin, Vice President, Malaysian Society of Occupational Safety and Health shared, "Prevention measures for accidents and injuries that affect one's physique is no longer sufficient but we need to manage how stress, depression and other mental issues would lead to unforeseen mishaps in the workforce. Thus, organisations need to urgently look into effective safety and health management system and policies that ensures the overall wellbeing, which may include initiatives such as mindfulness training, financial planning, on-the-hour flash walk, among others." (*).