The Minister of Justice emphasized in Coimbra the importance of coordination between the Justice and Health sectors to ensure that no one is left without the necessary response, particularly concerning the application of the Mental Health Law and security measures for internment. The event marked the closing session of the World Mental Health Day celebration and the inauguration of the Forensic Transition Unit of Coimbra.
The minister highlighted that this reality requires joint action, mentioning the permanent interministerial working group that brings together relevant Justice and Health bodies to enhance access to healthcare for incarcerated individuals. This investment has led to improvements in facilities at hospitals such as Magalhães Lemos and Júlio de Matos, and includes the requalification of the forensic pavilion at Hospital Sobral Cid, in Coimbra.
The new unit inaugurated in Coimbra is seen as a concrete expression of this investment and of a Justice system that protects rights and prepares individuals for their return to the community. The Ministry of Justice has been assuming its responsibilities, recently completing the intervention in a wing of the Prisional Hospital for legally unaccountable individuals and establishing a therapeutic unit for young people with special mental health care needs in educational centers.
