More than 6m in SA need mental health intervention – Health Dept
The Department of Health has revealed that more than 6.5 million people in South Africa need professional mental health intervention.
Of this number, a total of 1.3 million need care for severe psychiatric conditions.
In answer to a parliamentary question from the DA, the Department of Health revealed that the country only has 19 752 beds available in public and private mental healthcare facilities.
This means that only 0.3% of people with mental health issues are able to receive the help they need.
The DA’s Michele Clarke says government needs to ensure that all South Africans receive better healthcare.
"The DA will submit follow-up parliamentary questions regarding the incredible vacancy rate. We will also request the departments urgent appearance before the parliamentary portfolio committee on health regarding their plans for intervention.
"It is hardly surprising that South Africa is facing a mental health crisis, with the country's economy in tatters, unemployment lines growing daily, and severe systemic failures in almost all public sectors and State-owned enterprises. Government needs to ensure that all South Africans have the help they need when they need it."
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