The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population has announced the opening of new medical services at Damira Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Hospital in Dakahlia Governorate. The newly launched services include a therapeutic nutrition clinic, an external dental clinic, and a physical therapy department. These additions aim to expand the range of care provided to patients, covering both psychological and physical aspects. The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Hamouda Al-Gazar, Deputy Minister of Health for Dakahlia, and Dr. Amr Othman, Director of the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Abuse.
The new services are part of the ministry's efforts to develop specialized services in mental health hospitals and provide an integrated treatment system that responds to various patient needs. Dr. Hussam Abdel-Ghaffar, official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that these new services reflect the state's approach to integrating mental and physical care into a single treatment plan. He also highlighted the ministry's ongoing work to update the infrastructure of mental health hospitals, develop their services, and provide a treatment environment that meets quality standards.
Dr. Ayman Mohamed Abbas, Head of the Central Administration for the General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, explained that the new expansions aim to go beyond providing only mental health and addiction treatment services. The goal is to offer various medical specialties that patients need during their treatment journey. This move is expected to enhance the quality of care provided and improve patient outcomes.
The newly opened compulsory addiction treatment section, with a capacity of 12 beds, was established in collaboration with the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Abuse. Dr. Ragda Al-Jameel, Director of Addiction Treatment Management, stated that this section aims to improve the quality of services provided and enhance coordination between state institutions in addressing the issue of addiction.
The external dental clinic provides various services, including examination, comprehensive examination, tooth filling, root treatment, dental cleaning, and extraction. Dr. Yasmine Khaled, Director of Dental Management, highlighted that this clinic offers patients multiple dental services within the hospital, reducing the need for referrals to external facilities.
The physical therapy department provides services for patients with lower back pain, post-fracture rehabilitation, herniated discs, spinal surgeries, and ligament injuries. Dr. Kristine Jamal, Director of Physical Therapy Management, noted that this department receives patients from internal sections of mental health and addiction treatment, as well as external referrals.
The therapeutic nutrition clinic provides evaluation and follow-up services for patients with nutritional disorders, including obesity, underweight, malnutrition, and eating disorders. Dr. Basma Ahmed, responsible for therapeutic nutrition, emphasized the importance of including nutritional evaluation in the care system for mental health and addiction patients, supporting their physical health and quality of life.
Key points
- The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population has launched new medical services at Damira Mental Health Hospital.
- The new services include a therapeutic nutrition clinic, an external dental clinic, and a physical therapy department.
- The compulsory addiction treatment section has a capacity of 12 beds and aims to improve the quality of services provided.
