The Selangor government has rolled out a new subsidy programme for state residents who are in need of specialist intervention by psychiatric experts, dubbed the Selangor Sehat Psychiatric Treatment Subsidy programme. It is carried out in collaboration with the International Islamic University of Malaysia, the Malaysian Psychiatric Association, and SelCare Clinic.

The programme – which has a budget allocation of RM222,600 – offers a total of 700 subsidised slots (estimated at RM200 per slot). It will cover the cost of screening, psychiatrist consultation charges, basic psychotherapy treatment, and medications for the first two weeks – limited to five treatments per patient. Additionally, a portion of the budget will also be used for the continuous education and training of SelCare doctors on psychiatric intervention matters.

“Selangor residents who want to apply for the incentive have to complete an initial screening through the Selangkah app (under the Mental Sehat option). Based on eligibility, an applicant can then choose to undergo a second screening at a preferred SelCare Clinic. Qualified applicants will be referred to psychiatric experts to undergo further intervention,” said the chairperson of Selangor’s public health, unity, women empowerment, and family committee, Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud.

Dr Siti Mariah also said that this programme is expected to shorten the waiting time for those who are seeking mental health treatment, as well as to lighten the burden on psychiatric clinics at government hospitals. She also expects a majority of subsidy applicants to come from the B40 and M40 income group.

The Selangor Sehat Psychiatric Treatment Subsidy programme is rolled out under the Selangor government’s existing Selangor Mental Sihat Programme (Sehat), which was itself launched back in 2021. The Sehat programme is described as a holistic mental health initiative that aims to assist Selangor citizens via four components: awareness, education, screening, and intervention.

“Selangor is the first state to introduce a digital mental health function that was integrated with the Selangkah app. Since then, more than 60,000 Selangor residents have undergone initial mental health screenings while the Sehat psychosocial support helpline has assisted 312 callers from within and outside the state,” Dr Siti Mariah further said.

(Sources: The Star, CodeBlue)

• TAGS:
• Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud
• International Islamic University of Malaysia
• Malaysian Psychiatric Association
• Selangkah
• Selangkah App
• Selangor Mental Sihat Programme (Sehat)
• Selangor Sehat Psychiatric Treatment Subsidy Programme
• Selcare Clinic