DIDA proposes expanding mental health coverage in Dominican Republic

The Directorate General for Information and Defense of Social Security Affiliates (DIDA) has proposed expanding mental health coverage in the Dominican Republic. The initiative aims to improve access to psychological and psychiatric consultations, specialized treatments, and medications while reducing out-of-pocket expenses for affiliates.

Presented to the National Council of Social Security (CNSS), the proposal includes updating the Health Services Plan (PDSS) catalog and establishing a national network of providers for specialized care and crisis intervention. DIDA Director Elías Báez emphasized the need to remove economic barriers to care. The entity plans to hold technical meetings with relevant institutions to determine which measures can be implemented through existing regulations versus those requiring legislative reform, in alignment with the 2026-2030 Mental Health Strategic Plan.