UNAIR NEWS – During the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to increase the ability to educate and manage stress for people with mental illness (ODGJ) and their families. Department of Psychiatry of the UNAIR Faculty of Medicine held Training of Assisting Cadres for People with Mental Illness Amid Covid-19 Pandemic in Bangkalan on August 3-4, 2022.
The training was held to improve the ability in supporting people with mental illness during the pandemic, including indications for referral to higher health care facilities. Taking place in Suramadu Resto, Bangkalan, Madura, the event was attended by 130 cadres from 22 Puskesmas (Public Healthcare Center) in Bangkalan.
Releasing the restrained people with mental illness program
Head of the UNAIR Department of Psychiatry dr Azimatul Karimah SpKJ (K) FISCM gave her opening speech at the event. She explained the reason for choosing Bangkalan as the target for training.
“We have been collaborating with Bangkalan [government] since 2015,” said dr Azimatul.
Seven years ago, UNAIR Department of Psychiatry held medical practice for the students in Puskesmas Kwanyar. They released seven people with mental illness who were put on restraint. “The program was carried out to 22 puskesmas in Bangkalan,” she said.
In 2017, UNAIR Medical Team conducted another training in the Health Office (Dinkes) of Bangkalan, while the training for Kesehatan Jiwa (Keswa) [Mental Health] programmers was held in December 2021.
“We provide skills training and experience so that the release of restrained people with mental illness and schizophrenia program could positively impact the society,” she added.
Cross-functional program collaboration
Head of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) the Health Office of Bangkalan Hj Rizkyah Nunik Wahyuni SAP MM opened the event. She hoped that the good collaboration between UNAIR and Dinkes will continue.
Social stigma still becomes the biggest barrier for people with mental illness treatment. Criminalization against them is still commonly found, with some patients even got restrained.
“Hopefully, Keswa (mental health) assisting cadres will facilitate and guide the community,” Nunik hoped.
She also hoped that the meeting could increase the coverage and early detection of people with mental illness in Bangkalan. The Keswa cadres are expected to coordinate with the related parties. “Keep up the spirit to provide social services and programs in each puskesmas,” she said.
Author: Sandi Prabowo
Editor : Binti Q Masruroh
