Desperate
SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has expressed his concern that only 5.5 per cent of the health budget goes on mental health services.
He says that this is despite the fact that mental health issues account for around 25 per cent of all healthcare cases.
The alarming figures and severe under funding in a growing health problem for society have been disclosed by Sinn Fein Health Minister Michelle O’Neill.
Mr Durkan said: “Historically, mental health services have been criminally underfunded here.
“Mental illness is a massive problem in the North and there is a growing realisation of the seriousness of this issue, how debilitating it can be for individuals and its impact on families and wider society.
“More and more we are putting out the message that people should seek help with mental health problems but mental health services, statutory and in the community and voluntary sector, are not being resourced to tackle the massive need.
“This was reflected in the answer provided to me by the Health Minister.
“This shocking under investment is contributing to the massive waiting lists for counselling services and in many other areas such as services and support for young people.
“It is imperative that the Minister takes action and ensures that mental health is adequately funded and managed so that people can get the help that they so desperately need,” added the Foyle MLA.
