Government to approve pioneering national mental health pact by end of year

Catalan president Salvador Illa announced on Thursday that the government will approve the national mental health pact before the end of the year.

The initiative is the "first strategy of its kind in Europe," Illa stated. The pact includes a groundbreaking law that will safeguard the rights of citizens and unify resources across all departments and administrations.

Coinciding with World Mental Health Day, Illa acknowledged that there is still "a long way to go" in addressing mental health disorders.

The president committed to developing this plan "in all areas" throughout his term in office. He emphasized the importance of providing the healthcare system with "appropriate resources, qualified professionals, and relevant research" to combat mental health issues.

Illa also stressed the need to raise awareness about mental health and highlighted the importance of eliminating stigmatization and discrimination against individuals affected by mental health challenges.

The initiative was initially launched by the previous government in 2021, following the pandemic, when mental health issues surged. Illa has continued to support it despite the change in administration.

The current director of the National Pact for Mental Health, Magda Casamitjana, is expected to present the pact at the UN headquarters in Geneva later this month.