SDP Calls for Nationalising Mental Health Care, Universal Healthcare

It proposes formal mental health leave, community wellness centres, among others

- Lee Li Ying

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) is calling for mental health to be a critical component of the national healthcare system, in a bid to stem a "deepening mental health crisis" in Singapore.

Its deputy head of policy, James Gomez, put forth the opposition party's proposals at the SDP rally for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC at Woodlands Stadium on April 28.

These include formal mental health leave, increasing financial support for caregivers, expanding green spaces, a nationwide mental health education campaign to encourage people to seek help early, and building community wellness centres.

"(The) bulk of mental health services are mostly in the private sector, and are unaffordable for ordinary Singaporeans," Dr Gomez said, pointing out that 22 (out of Singapore's 26) polyclinics offer mental health services, while there are more than 100 private clinics addressing mental health.

As a result, he said, many Singaporeans have "no option but to seek costly private options they simply cannot afford, or avoid mental health care altogether".

The SDP candidate for Sembawang GRC pointed out five root causes of mental health issues in Singapore: "uncontrolled" immigration, fierce competition for jobs due to foreign labour, rising cost of living, cyber bullying, and the burden of caregiving placed on working adults.

He added that SDP's policy proposals in these areas lay the groundwork for addressing the root causes of mental health issues.