The bill includes the organizational changes needed to improve services mental healthchanges that should have been made years ago, emphasizes government representative Pavlos Marinakis in response to opposition objections.
In his post, Marinakis emphasizes that psychiatric hospitals have not been abolished, the bill does not bring about layoffs, it is fake news that addiction treatment agencies are being closed.
He also highlights that the project strengthens the public provision of addiction services, strengthens prevention and supports organizational changes with technology as an ally.
“With every reform bill promoted by the government, the opposition will find something to say, not to improve some parameter, but to spread fake news. The most recent example is the bill that was voted in principle by the competent committee of parliament last Friday, for the completion of the psychiatric reform,” Marinakis notes.
“Simply put, the bill includes the organizational changes needed to improve mental health services, changes that should have been made years ago,” he says.
“Health, in all its forms, is an absolute priority in this four-year period for the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This is yet another government reform, which aims to improve services to citizens. And because mental health is a very serious issue, there is no room for fake news and irresponsible opposition parties,” he added.
In his role, the Deputy Prime Minister and Government Representative states:
In every reform project promoted by the government, the opposition will find something to say, not to improve some parameter, but to spread fake news. The latest example is the bill that was voted in principle by the competent parliamentary committee last Friday, for the completion of the psychiatric reform.
Let’s see what the truth is and explain why with this plan we are improving the quality of service to beneficiaries, caregivers and their families.
1st Truth: Psychiatric Hospitals are not being abolished.
Psychiatric hospitals are not abolished. They are transformed by acquiring a new legal form, strengthened and evolved into Integrated Community Networks of Mental Health Services.
The seven Regional Mental Health Service Networks are under the administrative “umbrella” of the country’s respective Health Regions, WITH A UNIFORM MEDICAL AND NURSING MANAGEMENT.
Specifically, the PNA “DAFNI” and the “Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki” of Eniaio GN Thessaloniki “G. PAPANIKOLAOU” are transferred to the relevant Directorates of Health Services (DYPe.) as their decentralized units, are interconnected with the structures providing these Mental Health Services and continue their orderly functioning.
In this way, we will reinforce accessibility to necessary and FREE services for all citizens, regardless of their economic and social situation, and we will guarantee the maximum possible therapeutic effect.
2nd Truth: The bill DOES NOT BRING DISMISSAL.
Instead, it guarantees ALL positions, as well as the professional status of each professional.
Each and every one of the current employees will transfer their organizational positions to the new body. The transfer will be made with the existing employment relationship, the corresponding branch and specialty.
The acquisition of the Mental Health Nursing Specialty is also introduced as an incentive to work. The staff of the organizations that are part of EOPAE continue to work.
The objectives of the single body are:
The best use of human and financial resources To end overlapping services
3rd Truth: The lockdowns of addiction treatment agencies are fake news.
O.KA.NA., KETHEA, 18ANO, IANOS, ARGO, “DIAPLOUS”, DETOX IOANNINON continue their normal operation without closing any structure or service.
They will be interconnected, so that the dependent person’s journey is monitored with the aim of keeping them within the health system and not getting “lost”.
4th Truth: The project strengthens the public provision of addiction control services.
The new unified organization is a Private Legal Entity within the broader public sector, as are KETHEA and O.KA.NA. The NPID are bodies of the General Government and are financed by the Greek State (over 50%), have a public character and are supervised by the competent Ministry.
5th Truth: Prevention is stronger.
Prevention Centers will continue to operate as normal. There will be prevention, harm reduction, treatment and social reintegration facilities in all cities in Greece, ensuring the right of access for all.
A Prevention Directorate is created for the first time to coordinate all services. Detoxification structures are established in hospitals in most regions of Greece, providing access to all beneficiaries.
6th Truth: We support organizational changes with technology as an ally!
The Integrated Information System for Epidemiological Surveillance and Therapeutic Management is the first digital step.
With its operation there will be for the FIRST TIME:
Real-time control of the work of National Network operators and provision of information on the availability and completeness of services, available beds and appointments in all structures.
What does it offer?
Complete and targeted coverage of beneficiaries’ needs.
But also:
The “photo” with the epidemiological data necessary for the population’s mental health.
But digital possibilities will change… “tracking” with the National Telepsychiatry Network – Teleconsultation, which will provide: medical and mental support, as well as counseling
All of the above will be overseen by the deputy district health commander. His/her updated role will include organizing, supervising and operating services.
Simply put, the bill includes the organizational changes needed to improve mental health services, changes that should have been made years ago. Health, in all its forms, is a top priority for the Kyriakos Mitsotakis government in this four-year term. It is yet another government reform, aimed at improving services to citizens.
And because mental health is a very serious issue, fake news and irresponsible opposition crowns have no place here.