DPR: Strengthening primary health centres and posyandu needed to address children's mental health

Puskesmas and posyandu serve as the frontline of community health services, where early detection of children’s mental health problems can be conducted more quickly and systematically.

Jakarta — A member of the Indonesian parliamentary commission on health has stressed that strengthening puskesmas (primary health centres) and posyandu (community health posts) must be prioritised in the national strategy for addressing children’s mental health.

According to Edy Wuryanto, speaking in Jakarta on Thursday, these community-based services play an effective role in monitoring and early intervention.

“Puskesmas and posyandu are the frontline of community health services. This is where early detection of children’s mental health problems can be carried out more quickly and systematically,” he said.

He made the remarks in response to screening results from the Free Health Check Programme presented by Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin. The screening results revealed that nearly 10 per cent of approximately 7 million children participating in the programme showed symptoms of anxiety and depression.

“Health workers need to be trained to recognise symptoms and mental health disorders early. They can also support families in creating an environment that promotes children’s mental health,” he said.

Additionally, Wuryanto expected health workers to be capable of providing guidance to families regarding steps to take if a family member risks developing mental health disorders, ranging from mild to severe, including directing them to appropriate health care facilities.

In the context of strengthening community-based services, Wuryanto argued that the role of posyandu should be expanded beyond physical health to also encompass mental health.

He further urged the Health Ministry to promptly develop clearer guidelines and regulations regarding mental health services at the primary care level.

“The government, through the Health Ministry, needs to establish guidelines and regulations for mental health services at puskesmas and posyandu. This is important because primary health services fall under the responsibility of local governments, so there must be clear national standards,” Wuryanto said.