PUTRAJAYA: The Covid-19 pandemic has also taken a toll on the mental health of healthcare workers, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba (pic).

Between Jan 1 and April 30, psychological first aid was given to 274,097 health workers while 199,373 received psycho-education and another 199,555 were taught relaxation techniques.

Intervention through art therapy was given to 22,782 health workers during the same period.

Dr Adham said that between Jan 1 and May 21, the number of people seeking counselling through various hotlines registered 101,150 calls.

“From the figure, 91% of the callers to the ministry’s hotline, Talian Kasih as well as Jakim’s hotline, faced issues pertaining to financial crisis, unemployment as well as work-related stress, ” he said during a virtual press conference on Thursday (May 27).

The were also burdened with family issues such as depression, strained relationships, divorce, lack of parenting skills, violence and substance abuse.

“It is through these services that we provide the callers with psychosocial help, advice and counselling, ” said the minister.

Dr Adham said that 200 more counselling officers had been appointed since the end of last year to provide psychosocial service to the public and frontliners facing issues.