MOH plans long-term psychiatric centre for survivors

BANGKOK: -- The Ministry of Public Health today pledged to set up long-term psychiatric centres for survivors of last week's tsunamis, after finding that many survivors are experiencing mental health problems ranging from insomnia to terror of the sea.

Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan said that over 800 survivors appeared to be suffering from mental health issues, a week after the massive tsunamis hit Thailand's southrn Andaman coast.

Of these, seven have been categorized as suffering from severe problems, and are now receiving treatment at a psychiatric hospital in Surat Thani Province.

According to M.L. Dr. Somchai Chakrabhand, Director-General of the Department of Mental Health, most survivors should find that their psychiatric problems disappear within the space of a few months.

However, he said that his department would set up a psychiatric centre for survivors in Phang-nga's Takua Pa district, which would offer treatment over the next two years.

Over 5,000 Ministry of Public Health officials, nearly half of them in Phang-nga Province, are now working to treat survivors, prevent disease and ensure strict environmental health standards in the country's six affected provinces, including Phuket, Phang-nga, Krabi, Trang, Ranong and Satun.

--TNA 2005-01-02

Fears over mental state of some 800 survivors

At least 800 survivors of last week’s killer tsunami are suffering from post-traumatic stress, medical officials said yesterday. “Seven of the victims have serious symptoms and require close medical attention,” Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan.

Sudarat said that traumatised survivors are experiencing stress, confusion and fear that another killer wave may hit again. Of the more than 800 people suffering from post-traumatic stress, 348 were in Phang Nga, 277 in Krabi, 237 in Phuket and 17 in Rayong. Patients showing more serious symptoms are being treated in a hospital in Surat Thani.

Sudarat said mental rehabilitation for emotionally devastated victims is high on the to-do list of her ministry, in addition to providing treatment to the physically injured as well as trying to pre-empt outbreaks of diseases.

More than 5,000 public-health officials are stationed in Phang Nga, Phuket, Trang, Krabi, Ranong and Satun to help victims. She said 284 injured people, both locals and foreigners, remain hospitalised across the six disaster-hit southern provinces.

Somchai Chakrabhand, director general of the Mental Health Department, said the department was setting up a mental-treatment centre in Phang Nga’s Takua Pa district, which was especially hard hit by the giant waves. “The centre will provide continuous treatment to some patients for at least two years,” he said.

Somchai said most traumatised victims are expected to make a full recovery within three months. Failing that, patients should be able to come to terms with what happened within six months after the tragedy. “But moral support will help a lot,” he said. “Victims should console one another and take care of those who have been worst affected emotionally,” he said.

Somchai warned victims against seeking solace in alcohol because it could further ruin sufferers’ health in the long term.

He said his department is planning to offer crash courses to some 100 teachers and parents in Phang Nga and Krabi on Thursday and Friday on how to help children cope with their traumas in the aftermath of the devastating waves.

--The Nation 2005-01-03