Strengthening mental health services including in Government designated COVID 19 hospitals across the country

Background:

Nepal’s health system fundamentally suffers from constrained healthcare resources, including physical infrastructure and skilled human resources. COVID-19 further unraveled the inadequacy and fragility of the healthcare delivery system across the country. With the increasing demand for health services among the public, the MoHP endorsed an operational guideline to establish and run out-patient and 10 bedded in-patient units at 13 general hospitals nationwide. In this regard, this project aimed to conduct an appropriate assessment of the hospitals and strengthen their capacities to scale up the MHPSS services across the country. 

Outcome:

• The assessment was conducted regarding the available OPD services in those 13 designated hospitals  
• Proactive efforts were demonstrated in addressing the challenges posed by COVID-19 through workshops, training programs, and collaborative consultations with key stakeholders in the healthcare sector 
• An SOP was developed in collaboration with the EDCD and WHO, to further enhance the MHPSS service provision in the targeted provinces, for the assessment and management of mental health conditions in patients experiencing post-COVID-19 conditions 
• Capacity building of health workers and medical doctors on WHO mhGAP HIG to correctly identify and initiate treatment for mental health conditions
• The health workers were able to provide MHPSS services  to 583 individuals ( 427 male and 127 female)
• During the clinical supervision, 245 cases received service from Psychiatrists from the hospital, PHC, and health post in Madhesh province and Sudurpachhim province. Most of the cases were of psychosis, AUD, and severe depression

Target Population: MHPSS service providers, beneficiaries, health facilities, and policymakers.  

Implementation area: Madhesh  and Sudurpaschim Province, Karnali Province 

Time frame: June 2022 to September 2022

Supported by: World Health Organization (WHO)