President James Michel has officially opened the newly built Les Canelles Wellness Centre, in a ceremony held earlier today,  marking another milestone for the Ministry of Health in the development of mental healthcare provision.

“  This centre will be an important component of our Social Renaissance programme, where those afflicted with mental health and addiction difficulties will be able to receive specialised treatment and support in a new and stable environment. This is another step forward for our health services as we provide new services for the care of the physical and mental wellbeing of our nation ," said President Michel following the opening.

The Wellness Centre is a project fully funded by a private donor from Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Al Sheikh.  The construction began in January 2010 and was completed in March 2013. The donor also provided furniture and other equipment for the Centre. Sheikh Al Sheikh was represented during the ceremony by Mr. Suliman Al-Dakhial.

During her address, the Minister for Health, Mitcy Larue, thanked President James Michel and the Government of Seychelles for their unrelenting support for this project as well as the benefactor, Sheikh Al Sheikh. She highlighted the importance of having such facility that will look after patients with mental health issues with a wider range of services. The centre will also  have a detoxification unit for drugs abuse. 

“The name chosen for this institution is the “Wellness Centre”.   This reflects the modern view of mental health; it encapsulates the positive changes which started in the reform of our health services.  The new identity communicates our aim to make a positive impact on the communities’ mental health needs.  The Mental Wellness Centre will be a resource where individuals, families and the community will be able to find support, hope information and practical services to address their mental wellness need,” said Minister Larue.

After the unveiling of the commemoration plaque by President Michel and the tolling of the bell by Minister Larue, the guests attended a presentation held by Mrs. Gina Michel, Programme Manager for Mental Health and Cancer and Dr Daniella Malulu, Consultant in-Charge of Mental Health Services, on the history and the evolution of the Mental Health hospitals, as well as the newly-built Wellness Centre and its vision and goals.

President Michel and other guests viewed an exhibition prepared by the patients of the Centre, and then followed a guided tour of the new health facility with introductions to the staff of the Centre.

Editor’s note:

•    Also present for the ceremony was the former President, Sir James Mancham, Vice President,  Mr Danny Faure, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Patrick Herminie, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Frederick Egonda-Ntende, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, Minister for Health, Mrs Mitcy Larue, members of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Attorney General, Mr Ronny Govinden, Leader of the Opposition, Mr David Pierre, Deputy Speaker,  Honourable Andre Pool, Members of the National Assembly, Secretaries of State, Ambassadors, Principal Secretaries, WHO representative, Ms. Cornelia Atsyor, the Cuban Charge D’affaires, senior government officials and parastatals, ministry personnel, and honoured guests.

•    There is presently 43 staff altogether working at the Wellness Centre.