Social Affairs Minister Strive to More Effective “Long Acting” Medicine for ODGJ

PANDEGLANG (June 14, 2024) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini paid special attention to the handling of people with mental disorders (ODGJ). The Minister believes that ODGJ can recover and return to health as long as it is handled properly and appropriately.

In a social service that took place at the Cadasari Community Health Center in Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province on Friday (14/10), Social Affairs Minister Risma came directly and paid attention to ODGJ as one of the forms of the Social Affairs Minister's concern. A total of 10 ODGJ who came from several villages in Pandeglang, received health and empowerment services from the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Social Affairs Minister Risma emphasized that ODGJ is not a disgrace to the family. “They need to be cared for, handled, and treated so that they can recover,” said the Minister while conveying that this social service the Ministry of Social Affairs in collaboration with stakeholders provides health services in the form of free medical examinations and treatment.

Social Affairs Minister Risma also said that ODGJ sufferers mostly come from families with low economic income. So far, ODGJ has been given drugs that must be consumed every day. “If it is given a day late, the ODGJ's emotions can rise,” said Risma. Even though it could be due to the busyness of earning a living, the family forgets to give the medicine that must be consumed every day.

For this reason, Risma thinks that treatment for ODGJ is more effective if it uses long-acting injections, which are injections given once a month to ODGJ. “I started a campaign for long-acting treatment through injections because it is more effective for the handling and treatment of ODGJ,” said Risma.

Risma has also communicated with the Minister of Health so that ODGJ is given a long-acting injection once a month so it will be easier for the family. In addition, if the treatment is correct, ODGJ can recover and be productive again. In the social service, Social Affairs Minister Risma also gave laying hens complete with cages to be managed by ODGJ and their families. Through this empowerment with laying hens, it is hoped that the ODGJ and their families can get additional income that strengthens the family economy.