The Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Odete da Silva Viegas, and the Director-General of the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), Florêncio Pina Gonzaga, officially signed the National Psychiatric Treatment Guidelines at the Palácio das Cinzas in Dili.
During the ceremony, Dr. Odete Viegas emphasized that mental health is a primary focus within the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) non-communicable disease programs. She noted that this program is a high priority, requiring close coordination between line ministries, civil society, the Church, and development partners. The new guidelines are designed to assist health professionals in strengthening mental health units and improving services for individuals living with mental disabilities.
“Since the restoration of our independence, these services have only recently begun implementation,” Dr. Viegas stated. “The program has faced significant challenges, including limited budget, logistics, and diagnostic support, which have hindered our ability to provide 24-hour care. Addressing these barriers is a shared responsibility for everyone providing services to patients with mental health conditions.”
On this occasion, Dr. Viegas also launched the Integrated Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Referrals in Timor-Leste.
In her keynote speech, the Director-General highlighted the holistic nature of the issue: “Mental health affects not only the individual’s psychological well-being but also their families and the wider community. Our efforts must ensure that procedures are implemented properly on the ground. These integrated operational procedures allow us to view problems holistically and maintain an effective referral system.”
The MoH, with support from various partners, developed this procedure manual to guide cases that require referral to specialized facilities. The manual serves as a vital reference for doctors, nurses, and psychologists, ensuring standardized assessment and care across the health system.
