Pilot project on the possibility of psychiatric departments in Afghan provincial hospitals (read more). (10-07-2010)

One of the aims of HealthNet TPO is to integrate mental health care into the basic package of health care in fragile states. Afghanistan is a good example of our lobbying activities to emphasize on the necessity of mental health care: in 2003, the Afghan Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has defined ‘Mental Health’ as one of the seven priorities in the Afghan health care system. Partly due to HealthNet TPO’s active lobbying efforts, this package is being extended and further developed by the Afghan Ministry. HealthNet TPO’s role in the expansion was recently emphasized during a training session, facilitated by HealthNet TPO (Read the new article on the website of the Afghan Ministry of Health)

HealthNet TPO is now working on a pilot project where mental health is integrated in the ‘Essential Package for Hospital Services’ (EPHS). With the European Commission as main donor, five Afghan provincial hospitals are realizing small departments specialized in psychiatric care. This pilot will serve as a basis for the exact description of this service at a later stage.