Authorities reminded that mental health is a key component for both patients and healthcare personnel, and that each health facility on the Atlantic coast has trained staff to promptly attend to people with mental health conditions.
A training aimed at doctors and nurses, with the objective of strengthening mental health management in the various health facilities, was held in the city of Colón.
It was explained that mental health must be integrated into all medical disciplines, allowing for a comprehensive approach to the patient from the first contact with the health system.
Panama has approximately 297 psychologists, of which only 76 are clinical, and 201 specialist mental health nurses in public institutions.
Reinforcing these knowledge areas in health personnel directly impacts the quality of care patients receive, especially in primary care, said the regional director of MINSA in Colón, Nancy Torres.
The seminar was attended by 50 officials from MINSA/Colón, who received guidance on various topics, including: anxiety disorder, burnout syndrome, major depression, stress-related bruxism, and human-pet interaction as a factor of emotional well-being.
