The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Department of Health (DOH) has taken another step toward strengthening mental health care in the Philippines with the inauguration of a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine and the Forensic Psychiatry Building at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) in Mandaluyong City.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa led the ceremony on Wednesday, highlighting the government’s commitment to make advanced diagnostic tools and specialized psychiatric services more accessible to Filipinos.
The facilities are expected to benefit over 200 patients who require intensive and modern psychiatric care.
“This is part of our continuing effort to bring Universal Health Care closer to reality,” the DOH said, noting that mental health services in government hospitals are being upgraded to go beyond basic counseling and medication.
The project supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize mental health facilities nationwide, recognizing the urgent need for comprehensive, affordable, and accessible care.
According to the DOH, the new MRI machine and forensic psychiatry facility underscore the integration of mental health as a vital component of the country’s health system, ensuring that patients receive both advanced treatment and holistic support.