Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has said it has received over 2,000 calls from individuals requesting psychological support over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the daily press briefing at the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Consultant Psychiatrist at IGMH Dr. Arif Mohamed said the number has doubled this year, compared to the same period of last year. He said over 600 people consulted psychiatrists in IGMH last month. He explained many individuals have reported being depressed following the lockdown as they are unable to socialise and go out of the house.
Furthermore, the doctor disclosed the hospital receives calls from people in quarantine and isolation facilities as well as people from the general public. Dr. Afzal said 55 individuals needed further support and assistance. All 55 are being treated at IGMH. The doctor additionally said while some people require psychotherapy, others need medication for their treatment.
Maldives Red Crescent (MRC) has been working with IGMH to provide mental and psychological support amidst the outbreak. Speaking at the press conference, Program and Services Manager at the MRC Maeed Mohamed Zahir stated the helpline is active at all times. He further shared the centre is using 46 volunteers to answer 32 calls simultaneously and the centre will follow up with the callers to check their conditions later.
MRC has called on all individuals who need psychological support to call the helpline.