New Concept In Treating Mental Patients

JOHOR BAHARU, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- A new concept is being implemented in treating mental patients in the country that does away with the old method of isolating them and instead emphasises on the community's participation in the treatment process.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad said the new concept would be introduced at the Hospital Permai, one of the two mental institutions that is being rebuilt at a cost of RM600 million and expected to be completed within 30 months from now.
In line with the changes in the treatment approach the patients would be isolated only for short periods before being handed over to the society, he told reporters after attending the Aidilfitri and Deepavali do organised by the Hospital Sultanah Aminah Vistor's Board here.
At the same time this method eliminates the need for bigger space and more beds and that's why the new Hospital Permai is situated on a smaller area of 53 hectares and with only 734 beds compared to 2080 currently.
He said the concept involving the community is being widely practised in developed countries and its effectiveness was proven by studies conducted by mental health experts.
The other mental institution in Tanjung Rambutan would also follow suit.
Abdul Latif said, a new mental institution in Sungai Petani is being planned under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.