News

On the 13^th of May 2023, a total of 110 KOMITED staff and clients have attended a one-day workshop on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) at the Kulliyyah of Pharmacy. The event was sponsored by Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Violence and Injury Prevention (MeSVIPP) grant, Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) and Komuniti Intervensi Dadah Malaysia (KOMITED Malaysia). The workshop was delivered by IIUM psychiatrist Dr. Hj. Hijaz bin Hj. Ridzwan, and Madam Norhaida Asma binti Mohd Hashim, a psychologist from National Mental Health Centre of Excellence, MOH. The event was organized in collaboration with the Substance Use Disorders Research Group (SUDRG) and KOMITED Malaysia, and was officiated by Dato’ Dr. Hj. Ahmad Shukri bin Ismail, the KOMITED Advisor. Theories and practical on management of common mental health issues have been addressed and participants received certification in MHFA for application at KOMITED facilities. The participants received direct feedback and consultation from psychiatrist regarding issues they encountered with clients related to mental health and recommended strategies to address mental health issues. Among the issues identified were panic attack, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and many others. Five 3^rd year undergraduate pharmacy students were hired as committee members and facilitators. These students were Br. Muhamad Firdaus Danial bin Romzy, Br. Muhamad Azrul Ikmal bin Mohd Nizam, Br. Muhammad Syahid Haikal bin Shahrudin, Sr. Nurul Saadah binti Sairul Mizam, and Sr. Fitrah Hidayah binti Izat Faizal.  The lecturers involved from the SUDRG were Dr. Nor Ilyani binti Mohamed Nazar, Dr. Irna Elina binti Ridzwan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norny Syafinaz binti Ab Rahman and Dr. Nor Hidayah binti Mohd Taufek. The programme was beneficial for all participants, and they had a great opportunity to discuss about their health concerns.