Go wants more funds for mental health programs

SEN. Christopher «Bong» Go pushed for increased funding and proper implementation of mental health programs of the Department of Health (DoH), saying mental health should receive the same level of attention and care as physical health.

During a Committee on Finance hearing on September 28, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography emphasized that mental health should not be overlooked.

He said that the proposed budget for the DoH has been slashed by over P10 billion and raised the need to restore and allocate funds for various programs, including those on mental health.

Go endorsed additional funding for the department and pressed for collective action to invest more in health care, particularly mental health.

«With that, I endorse additional funding for the Department of Health. Let's help this; the more we should invest in our health at this time,» he said.

Go's focus on mental health is consistent with his previous legislative efforts.

He co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 2200, known as the proposed «Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.»