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CEBU
CITY, August 31 (PIA) –
Mental health is considered as an essential discussion in the Asia Pacific
Economic Conference (Apec) meetings.
Seen as one factor that is vital to
economic development, health ministers and representatives from the
member-economies tackled mental health during the APEC 2015 Health
Working Group (HWG) meeting.
In a press briefing at the International Media
Center, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Kenneth Hartigan-Go said that
mental health is a neglected condition which has an impact on a
developed economy.
He said there are assessments conducted about
mental health not only in the Philippines but among the member economies.
“Work pressures, stress, anxiety
affect ability to have income,” Go said, adding that there are many
institutions not capable of handling mental sickness.
APEC is looking at a greater recognition of
mental health as a serious issue, according to Peter Sheehan, Research
Director of The Victoria Institute of Strategic Economic Studies Australia.
“The cost of incidents and future prevalence of
non communicable diseases and mental health is 5 to 6 percent of the
Philippines Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Sheehan said.
He said there is still that stigma about
mental health and cases are under-reported.
DOH Secretary Janette Garin, in her keynote
speech during the 5th APEC High Level Meeting on Health and
Economy, said that mental illness is now considered as a
chronic disease.
“Mental illness up until quite recently
silent insidious chronic disease is now recognized at least through
efforts in our region, as a priority that can and should be addressed and
openly and well,” Garin said.
She said that mental and physical well being are
now equal partners.
“Many mental illnesses can be prevented and all
can be treated allowing a culture of mental wellness to emerge and flourish,”
Garin said.
The Philippines, she said, is taking a leadership
role this year in the promotion of mental well-being.
In the August 25 meeting in Manila, the needs
and priorities of economies were assessed and it paved the way for the launch
of a digital hub which will promote innovative collaborations between governments,
academe and private sector.
“APEC has a very robust and innovative agenda to
promote mental health and reduce stigma,” Garin said.
Furthermore, she said the aim of the
meeting is to include health as a cost in the economic planning and they
want to engage budget and finance planners to mitigate social and economic
effects of ill health.
“I would like to posit that mental and physical
well being should be regarded as investments, without which will result in
astronomical costs to governments, corporations and our citizens,” Garin said.
“More people are forced to retire early because
of ill health, the economy will become less productive,“ Garin said.
There are 87 APEC meetings held in Cebu.
As of August 30, 2015 there are more than 1,500
delegates from the 21 member economies. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
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