The two-days capacity building, “Mental Health in Prisons” was held in Kep province on February 26 and 27. Health Ministry
The Ministry of Health has conducted training for Kep Provincial Prison officials, aimed at enhancing their capacity to offer preliminary mental health diagnoses, and make sure inmates access the support or treatment they need.
The ministry explained that the rate of mental illness and drug addiction are higher among prison inmates than the general population.
The two-days capacity building, “Mental Health in Prisons” was held in Kep province on February 26 and 27, under the chairmanship of Chi Hong, ministry secretary of state in charge of mental health and substance abuse.
A total of 120 mental health and drug abuse professionals, prison officials and correctional centre staff from the capital and provinces took part, according to a health ministry social media post.
The training was designed to increase the basic knowledge of prison and health officials on mental health, mental illness and drug use and addiction, as well as to understand what mental health support is available and how to use questionnaires to assess mental state, drug use and addiction, it added.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hong described prison health as part of public health, and explained that many surveys have determined that rates of mental illness and drug abuse are higher among prisoners.
“This training will enhance the capacity of prison officials to assess issues surrounding mental health or drug abuse, and make primary diagnoses, interventions and referrals to other relevant services, as necessary. This will contribute to the well-being of prison officials, as well as detainees,” he said.
Lim Sokha, deputy director-general of the General Directorate of Prisons, attended the ceremony. He lauded the attention the health ministry paid to the prison population, singling out the mental health and substance abuse department for special praise for the training it provided.
Sokha asked that the ministry continue to share knowledge and strengthen the capacity of prison officials.
On December 27 last year, the health ministry officially launched its Mental Health Strategic Plan 2023-2032.
Health minister Chheang Ra described mental health as an important component of everybody’s general well-being, and a crucial requirement for ensuring the Kingdom maintains quality human resources.
“The development of any nation requires a healthy population, and this includes good mental health. This will contribute to the economic growth of individuals, their families and wider society,” he said.
