The Health Department of the Masaka Catholic Diocese is considering expanding psychological health support services in response to the rising cases of depression and its negative consequences within the community.
Reverend Father Emmanuel Katabaazi, the Masaka Diocesan Coordinator of Health Services, notes an increase in the number of patients presenting with emotional stress, which has a detrimental impact on their overall health hence the need to make psychotherapy services available to address this demand.
During the Diocesan Health Assembly, where the level of health services in the area is assessed, Fr. Katabaazi emphasized the importance of providing holistic healthcare to patients to ensure that no conditions go untreated.
He also highlighted the necessity of establishing community centers where individuals can access psychiatric therapy to alleviate stress and trauma, in addition to improving counseling services in healthcare facilities.
Fr. Katabaazi says that they have successfully advocated for the diocesan authorities to create a plan for expanding counseling services, with the intention of encouraging the government to develop and implement a national policy to address this growing issue.
He believes that early intervention for individuals experiencing emotional stress is essential to prevent their conditions from deteriorating.
Bishop Severus Jjumba of the Masaka Diocese expressed the Church’s commitment to providing holistic health services. However, he acknowledged financial constraints that limit their ability to offer all required services.
As an interim measure, the diocese is considering deploying priests to provide these services wherever possible, while they work on mobilizing resources to establish specialized counseling centers in different areas.
Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, acknowledged the concerns and assured that the Ministry’s technical teams would explore appropriate ways to respond to this pressing issue.
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