Denys Shmyhal: Government takes a proactive approach to promoting mental health programmes in Ukraine

The Government is committed to supporting the implementation of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Programme "How Are You?" initiated by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska. These are comprehensive measures that focus on people and their needs, with all parties involved. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said this during the Second Mental Health Forum held in Kyiv on 26 November.

In particular, the Government is increasing the number of employees who provide assistance to people with mental health problems.

"Since the beginning of the year, 22,000 Ukrainians have received vouchers for training, including in psychology-related fields. 108,000 doctors have been trained under a special WHO programme. More than 1,000 students are majoring in medical psychology," said Denys Shmyhal.

In addition, mental health support services are free of charge and are included in the Medical Guarantees Programme. According to the Prime Minister, up to 400,000 Ukrainians have been able to use them this year.

"A network of Sustainability Centres has been created. 211 hromadas from 23 regions are involved in the process. Anyone can appeal to the Centre and receive effective psychological and mental assistance," the Head of Government noted.

The Government also concentrates on children. The education sector employs some 20,400 psychological service specialists, "We are launching a three-level component of psychological support for veterans during the transition from military service to civilian life. The main things here are rehabilitation, employment, retraining, veteran sports, veteran business and active participation in social life," the Prime Minister said.

According to Denys Shmyhal, an important component of the comprehensive human capital protection policy is also the state programmes for the protection of families, childhood, education, retraining and employment.

“I am grateful to all those who, in different sectors, in different conditions, with different experiences, do a mutual job - caring for Ukrainians and giving them moral strength. Unfortunately, we cannot heal all wounds. But we can give everyone who is in pain a sense of support, understanding and indifference," said First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.

The Prime Minister thanked the employees who are in direct contact with people, as they ‘build the foundation of the Ukraine of the future, save human lives and destinies’.