Minister of Public Health Víctor Atallah has announced a comprehensive national strategy to prioritize mental health, focusing on aggressive prevention campaigns, early detection, and a significant expansion of care infrastructure.
Speaking at an event commemorating World Depression Day on 13 January 2026, Atallah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating mental health into the core of the national health system. He urged Dominican society to dismantle the stigma surrounding depression, characterizing it as a medical condition requiring urgent, integrated intervention.
“Depression must be identified and treated in every space: primary care, schools, workplaces, and communities,” Atallah stated. “Every day without care can exacerbate the condition.”
Vice Minister of Collective Health, Eladio Pérez, echoed this sentiment, stressing that depression is a clinical reality rather than a personal weakness. Meanwhile, Alejandro Uribe, Director of Mental Health, revealed that depression has risen to become one of the top three reasons for medical consultations in the country, though it remains frequently underestimated due to social stigma.
In a collaborative effort with the National Health Service (SNS), the Ministry reported a measurable increase in mental health personnel and facilities heading into 2026. According to the Ministry’s latest data, the country has expanded its workforce from 925 to 1,100 psychologists and from 145 to 166 psychiatrists. Additionally, Crisis Intervention Units have increased from 14 to 17 nationwide.
Despite these gains, the Minister acknowledged a persistent shortage of psychiatric specialists. To bridge this gap, the government is currently coordinating with specialized medical societies to review medical school curricula, implement new incentives for psychiatric training and establish new supervised medical training programs.
Looking ahead through 2026, Atallah emphasized that the government will continue to expand coverage and improve service quality through inter-institutional cooperation. “Investing in mental health is an investment in development and well-being,” he noted.
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Ministry of Public Health
14 January 2026