The World Health Organisation (WHO) began its assessment of Portugal’s mental health reform on 21 September. Over four days, at the invitation of the Portuguese State, experts from WHO Europe will meet with several organisations to analyse the measures adopted in recent years and assess the state of implementation of the reform, taking into account aspects such as strategic direction, governance and implementation.

The reform has progressed with the entry into force of the new Mental Health Law (Law No. 35/2023 of 21 July) in August 2023, the investment of around €88 million from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) in expanding community outreach teams, the creation of Integrated Responsibility Centres, the reconfiguration of the forensic system and the upgrading of local mental health services.

In addition to meetings with the National Coordination for Mental Health Policies (CNPSM), WHO Europe experts will engage with several non-governmental and civil society organisations and visit mental health services to assess legislation, governance, deinstitutionalisation and the funding of the measures currently being implemented.

The assessment, which runs until 24 September, will result in priority recommendations for the next phase of the reform, particularly in the areas of management, funding and human resources.

The assessment was requested by Portugal and is being carried out as part of cooperation with WHO Europe in the field of mental health, in line with the Quality Rights programme and the Pan-European Mental Health Coalition.