The Masaka Catholic Diocese Health Department is contemplating an expansion of psychological health support services, responding to the surge in depression cases and its adverse impact on the community,” revealed Reverend Father Emmanuel Katabaazi, the Masaka Diocesan Coordinator of Health Services.
He observed a rise in patients grappling with emotional stress, emphasizing the urgent need for psychotherapy services to address this demand and mitigate its repercussions on overall health.
During the Diocesan Health Assembly, Fr. Katabaazi stressed the significance of holistic healthcare, ensuring comprehensive treatment for all conditions.
He advocated for the establishment of community centers providing psychiatric therapy to tackle stress and trauma, alongside enhancing counseling services within healthcare facilities.
In a Luganda audio clip, Fr. Katabaazi mentioned signaling their successful efforts to persuade diocesan authorities to plan the expansion of counseling services. The objective is to encourage the government to formulate and implement a national policy to tackle the escalating issue.
He emphasized the importance of early intervention for those facing emotional stress to prevent the deterioration of their conditions.
Bishop Severus Jjumba of the Masaka Diocese affirmed the Church’s commitment to holistic health services but acknowledged financial constraints limiting their ability to provide all necessary services.
As an interim measure, the diocese contemplates deploying priests to offer services where possible while actively seeking resources to establish specialized counseling centers in different areas.
Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, acknowledged these concerns and assured that the Ministry’s technical teams would explore appropriate ways to address this pressing issue.