Pilot Operation of 24/7 Mental Health Emergency Response Centers
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the introduction of a pilot project for mental health emergency response centers to effectively address the rapidly increasing number of mental health emergencies. This initiative aims to provide swift and appropriate medical services to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies through 24/7 telephone counseling, on-site dispatch, and coordination with mental health institutions. It is expected to enable immediate responses to mental health emergencies, even during times with limited access to medical care, such as nights and holidays.
The pilot project will operate primarily in major regions nationwide, with counseling teams composed of professionals such as psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers available 24/7 to provide counseling and assessment for mental health emergencies. Additionally, it will support on-site dispatch and emergency hospitalization measures in cooperation with relevant organizations such as mental health welfare centers, the police, and the fire department when necessary. This is expected to establish a system where not only individuals with mental illness but also the general public can receive assistance with peace of mind in the event of a mental health emergency.
An official from the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated, "We expect that the pilot project for mental health emergency response centers will ensure treatment within the golden hour for mental health emergency patients and contribute to improving the quality of life for individuals with mental illness by strengthening the connection to community mental health services."
추진…인권 보호 강화Improving Involuntary Hospitalization Procedures: Enhancing Human Rights Protection
Involuntary hospitalization of individuals with mental illness, which occurs without the patient's consent, has been a persistent source of controversy regarding human rights violations. In response, the Ministry of Health and Welfare is promoting improvements to involuntary hospitalization procedures to protect patients' rights and ensure more transparent and fair hospitalization decisions. Specifically, the plan is to expand the participation of external experts in the involuntary hospitalization review process and establish procedures to actively reflect the patient's opinions.
Furthermore, regular check-ups and evaluations for involuntarily hospitalized patients will be strengthened to prevent unnecessary long-term hospitalizations, and various programs will be supported to aid the patient's recovery. In particular, the plan is to strengthen the support system to help patients adapt to the community after discharge, enabling them to return to society stably. These improvements to involuntary hospitalization procedures are expected to have a positive impact not only on the protection of the human rights of individuals with mental illness but also on the promotion of mental health throughout society.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Services: Contributing to the Mental Health of the Nation
Strengthening the mental health emergency medical system and improving involuntary hospitalization procedures are expected to contribute to the mental health promotion of not only individuals with mental illness but also the general public. This is because the ability to respond quickly to mental health emergencies reduces the social stigma associated with mental illness and lowers the barriers to accessing mental health services. Additionally, improvements to involuntary hospitalization procedures will raise social awareness of the protection of the human rights of individuals with mental illness, creating an environment where they can live as respected members of society.
The government plans to continue expanding investment and support for mental health services and promoting various policies for the prevention and treatment of mental illness. In particular, the plan is to provide customized services for individuals with mental illness, centered around community mental health welfare centers, and to strengthen support for families of individuals with mental illness, helping them to lead healthy social lives. Through these efforts, we will do our best to improve the overall mental health level of our society and enable citizens to enjoy happy lives.
- 24/7 mental health telephone counseling
- Support for on-site mental health emergency dispatch
- Coordination with mental health institutions
- Strengthening involuntary hospitalization reviews
- Support for community adaptation after discharge
Psychiatrist A stated, "This strengthening of the mental health emergency medical system will not only provide practical help to individuals with mental illness but also contribute to dispelling social prejudice against mental illness."
These policy changes are scheduled to be gradually expanded, starting with a pilot project in July 2024. Based on the results of the pilot project, the government plans to supplement improvements and implement them nationwide in 2025. This is expected to create an environment where individuals with mental illness can receive treatment more safely and with dignity, and contribute to the promotion of the mental health of the nation.
The Need for Continuous Interest and Support for Mental Health Emergency Care
Strengthening the mental health emergency medical system is not a one-time policy but a field that requires continuous interest and support. The government must continue to expand investment and support for mental health services and promote various policies for the prevention and treatment of mental illness to contribute to the promotion of the mental health of the nation. In addition, it is important for all members of society to abandon prejudice against mental illness and create a social atmosphere that warmly embraces individuals with mental illness. Through these efforts, our society can move towards a healthier and happier society.