RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Amid the pandemic, the Ministry of Health is preparing to revoke some 100 ordinances on mental health, issued between 1991 and 2014, threatening several programs and services in the sector.
At risk are the annual program to restructure psychiatric hospital care at the SUS (Unified Health System); the teams of the Street Practice; the Home-based Care Service; and the Monitoring Committee of the Back Home Program.
The Psychosocial Care Network for people with mental distress or disorder and with needs arising from the abuse of crack, alcohol, and other drugs is also at risk.
The Street Practice seeks to increase access to health services for the homeless.
The Back Home Program and the Home-based Care Service aim to psychosocially rehabilitate patients submitted to long psychiatric hospitalizations.
State health authorities are fearful that public mental health policies may be undermined during this historic crisis in Brazilian health.
Another concern is the calendar: if the repeal is executed in the coming weeks, the Federal Supreme Court and the National Congress are in recess, which would hinder eventual reactions and challenges.
The Ministry of Health has not commented.
Source: Época