Mental Health at a Crossroad
Dr. Joseph El Khoury, Medical Director at The Valens Clinic, has recently brought attention to the dire state of the mental health sector in Lebanon. As a leading expert in the field, Dr. El Khoury emphasizes the urgent need for investment and support to address the longstanding neglect and challenges faced by mental healthcare in the country.
As Dr.El Khoury points out, mental healthcare has never been a priority for the public or private sectors in Lebanon. The responsibility for this essential service has largely been outsourced to benevolent organizations operating on meager subsidies. Psychiatric institutions have struggled to survive due to inadequate resources, while the private sector still needs to be more resourceful in terms of workforce and facilities.
According to recent surveys conducted by the Lebanese Psychiatric Society, many psychiatrists are seeking relocation abroad, and it is unlikely that they will return without radical changes in the country’s situation. This exacerbates the shortage of mental health professionals, further limiting access to critical care. Psychiatric nursing, an already weak element in the care system, also struggles to recruit and retain professionals, with many being enticed by opportunities abroad.
Dr. El Khoury acknowledges the valuable role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in raising awareness and advocating for mental health in Lebanon. He emphasizes the need for a mixed funding model, with increased investment from the private sector to ensure the sustainability and scalability of mental healthcare initiatives.
Light At the End Of The Tunnel
Dr. El Khoury highlights that Lebanon, once known as a destination for specialized psychiatric care in the region, has seen its role diminish in the current crisis. However, he believes that with the right investment in facilities, training, and marketing, the country can regain its prominence and become a leader in mental healthcare once again.
“While the country’s political stability remains uncertain, the adaptability of the Lebanese population and the unwavering commitment of expatriates to their healthcare sector provides hope for positive change,” adds Dr. El Khoury. “By aligning academic output with clinical priorities and implementing crucial mental health legislation, we can pave the way for comprehensive and accessible care.”
Dr. El Khoury further pointed out that Lebanon needs to make some necessary legislation changes to counter the growing epidemic of declining psychiatric care in the country. He suggests that finalizing and implementing mental health legislation, shifting first-level interventions to the primary care sector, developing appropriate community services for severe mental disorders, advocating for insurance coverage, updating and rationalizing public provision of services or subsidization of treatments to the most vulnerable, and needy are some of the necessary steps that Lebanon needs to take to alleviate this crisis.
Conclusion
Dr. Joseph El Khoury’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by the mental health sector in Lebanon and call for immediate action to improve access to quality care. Valens Clinic stands at the forefront of this transformative journey, committed to delivering optimal mental health support and empowering individuals on their path to Health, Hope, and Harmony.
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Company Name: The Valens Clinic
Contact Person: Information Desk
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Phone: 0585826826
Address:One by Omniyat, Suite 3004
Country: United Arab Emirates
Website: https://thevalensclinic.ae/