Awareness lectures held for taxi drivers on mental disorders

DUBAI, 13th May, 2019 (WAM) -- The Ministry of Health and Prevention, MoHAP, represented by the Specialised Care Department of Hospitals Sector, recently organised an awareness drive on mental disorders for taxi drivers in Sharjah.

The lectures were organised in collaboration with Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, in the English and Urdu languages.

A medical team from MoHAP conducted examinations on 100 drivers to assess their understanding of mental disorders, the causes and treatment. The team distributed brochures which had information on how to control the disorders and where drivers can be diagnosed and treated.

This initiative targeted taxi drivers because their mental health is a key factor in maintaining the safety of passengers, said Dr. Mona Al Kuwari, Director of the Specialised Care Department.

"We need to raise the awareness of drivers about mental disorders so that they can protect themselves and consequently maintain passenger safety. Our aim is to enhance prevention programmes and ways of dealing with anxiety and depression, in addition to rehabilitating and supporting people with mental disorders, as well as engaging them in the community," Dr. Al Kuwari added.

Dr. Al Kuwari thanked the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority for their cooperation in conducting the event for the third consecutive year. This reflects the government’s concern about mental healthcare for professional groups, in particular, since global statistics show the clear impact of mental disorders in increasing cases of road accidents.