Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Health is ramping up efforts to address online gambling and gaming addiction through expanded rehabilitation services.
Dr. Imran Pambudi, the Director of Mental Health at the MInistry, highlighted on Friday (29/11/2024) ongoing programs at major facilities, including Dr. Marzoeki Mahdi Psychiatric Hospital in Bogor, RSCM hospital in Jakarta, and Menur Psychiatric Hospital in Surabaya.
“We’ve been addressing this issue even before it gained public attention,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.
Over 100 patients have received outpatient treatment at RSCM, while Menur Hospital reports a rise in children moving from gaming to gambling, straining its capacity.
To meet demand, the Health Ministry plans to equip more community health centers (puskesmas) for mental health services, which are currently available in only 40% of facilities. Severe cases will continue to be referred to psychiatric hospitals.
“We’ve engaged all psychiatric hospitals nationwide to prepare for addiction-related referrals,” said Dr. Imran.
(mg/inp/pr/nm)