The need for reorganization and the contribution of Primary Health Care in the effective management of people with bipolar disorder

The decision of the Ministry of Health to convert many hospitals in the country from general hospitals to hospitals dedicated in treating covid-19 resulted in the deterioration of the health of the chronically ill. As a result, the access to health units of patients with chronic deceases was affected, which led to neglected early diagnosis and insufficient access to the appropriate medication. The abovementioned parameters, in combination with the fear of exposure to Covid-19, led to reduced hospitalization of these patients and furthermore, to the negative development of their health. The pandemic imprint on people with severe mental disorders has been crucial. In bipolar disorder which is one of the many categories of mental disorders there are political, economic, social and technological factors that are vital and affect the management of this chronic disease. Thus, the situation created the urgent need to immediately reorganize a network of Primary Health Care, as the first point of contact of the patient with the health care system. As a service unit of P.Η.C. for the mentally ill, the Peristeri Mental Health Center, can provide the first stage of treatment for patients with bipolar decease. This could be achieved by setting goals such as the creation of mobile units, telepsychiatry and conducting training seminars..

Keywords: Primary Health Care,  chronic disease, COVID-19, chronic disease managment, PEST analisys