The Health Ministry is offering mental health services such as counseling for the victims of the recent natural disasters,but, the demand for the services is very low.
“We thank people for following medical advice and saving themselves from epidemics,” Deputy Director General (Medical Services - 11) Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva said. Addressing the media at the Health Education Bureau Auditorium, Colombo yesterday, he said in other countries, most victims seek mental health services and medical treatment for mental health problems immediately after a disaster. “In Sri Lanka only a handful of victims seek these services and only do so when there is an urgency,” he said.
According to Dr. de Silva, no incidents of suicide have been reported among the victims of the recent floods and landslides and the Health Ministry has deployed teams to offer counseling and mental health treatment to the victims at welfare camps. Psychiatrists have also been deployed with the teams.
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