Santo Domingo.– The national deputy of the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), Ramón Raposo, stated that the country cannot continue postponing the issue of mental health and that the time has come to make it a true national priority, given the growing impact of emotional disorders on the population.
Raposo recalled that the National Congress is currently studying the General State Budget Project for 2026 and analyzing modifications to the Social Security Law. In his opinion, this scenario represents a crucial opportunity to strengthen public investment in the health sector, especially in the mental health area, which has historically been neglected.
The legislator insisted on the need to increase the funds allocated to this area and expand coverage for those suffering from mental illnesses, in order to guarantee timely, comprehensive, and quality care.
During a turn in the session of the Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies, Raposo cited data from specialists revealing that more than 20% of Dominicans suffer from some type of mental disorder. He added that around 300,000 people live with schizophrenia, and half — about 150,000 — do not receive medical treatment, with the majority being young people between 18 and 29 years old.
He also recalled that in 2024, 651 suicides were recorded in the country, an average of 54 cases per month, and that 59.5% were linked to mental disorders, which, according to him, demonstrates a problem that requires urgent and sustained actions.
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He regretted that, despite the seriousness of the situation, the Dominican Republic remains among the Latin American countries that allocate the least resources to mental health within its national budget.
Finally, the PRD deputy urged the Ministry of Public Health to implement clear and effective public policies, focused on prevention, coverage expansion, and the guarantee of rights for those living with mental disorders. He maintained that greater state investment and a robust legal framework are indispensable pillars for improving the quality of life of thousands of Dominicans.
