Problem

Concerned about the rise of mental health illnesses, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Shapers of Santo Domingo lead the reform and workshops together with the National Congress, the Ministry of Public Health, the Dominican College of Psychologists, the Dominican Society of Psychiatry, and other state institutions and civil society in the modification of the regulatory regime in mental health. Law 12-06 on Mental Health is the only regulation on mental health for the Dominican Republic. It is a legislation that lacks initiatives that promote the inclusion, treatment and coverage of mental health patients. Likewise, it focuses on clinical care, neglecting community and family responsibilities, creating obstacles for comprehensive mental health care. 

The Mental Health Law, in force since 2006, represents an advance in social and legal protection around mental health at the national level. It incorporates regulations that seek to improve the conditions of prevention and treatment for patients with mental illnesses, although with areas for improvement. Said law must have a modification that provides real and effective medical coverage for mental health patients, covering the prevention, treatment and medications necessary to combat mental illnesses. 

Currently, these patients do not obtain public or private coverage, having to pay for highly expensive treatments and medications. 

Solution

This project works on leading reform of the mental health law in the Dominican Republic, together with expert organizations and the National Congress. The Mental Health Law No. 12-06 was enacted by President Leonel Fernandez in 2006, after being debated by the National Congress. The law is based on the: 

-General Health Law, No. 42-01 

-Social Security Law, No. 87-01 

-Law No. 50-88, on Drugs and Controlled Substances of the Dominican Republic and its amendments

-Law No. 55-93 on HIV/AIDS, Law No. 24-97, on Domestic Violence, Law No. 42-00

Activities

Actions aimed at mass awareness raising about mental health, its prevention, coverage and treatment as a measure against the stigmatization of patients must be strengthened, granting them safe spaces to improve their condition. 

Impact

The modification to the Mental Health Law which includes the incorporation of innovative health technologies and medical supplies that allow the treatment of patients with the most advanced technologies, preventing deaths and improving the collective health of patients.