Implementation and Service Delivery Status of the Mental Health Law in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte

Mental health had been a growing concern while mental illness had been increasing in number worldwide. The enactment of the Mental Health Law or RA 11036 in 2018 hoped to bring about better delivery of mental health services as well as uphold the rights of patients. This led the proponent to investigate the implementation and service delivery status of the mental health law in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. Employing a descriptive-qualitative design, the study assessed the implementation of the various government agencies on the Mental Health Law as well as the delivery of mental health services in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. There were 50 mental health professionals interviewed through phone, messenger, and Google form using a structured interview guide. Data gathered through the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results revealed that most of the government agencies were able to implement the law rating from 35.72% to 100% of the implementation. Eleven themes emerged such as poor knowledge about the mental health law, no proper seminars/training about mental health law, mental health is not a priority program, lack of coordination with the various agencies involved, difficulty managing mental health crises, non-inclusive mental health program, insufficient mental health services, multitasking of mental health providers, lack of mental health professionals, stigmatized attitude towards mental illness and support from LGU. It was revealed in this study that the implementation of the mental health law in the province is not fully implemented. Furthermore, the delivery of mental health services is also insufficient. As a recommendation, the primary implementing agency must exert more effort in cascading the law to all implementing agencies and mental health professionals down to the barangay level for the law to be understood and implemented. In addition, mental health services should be improved as well as the inclusion of a mental health facility.