Today’s news / Regions take charge of dual diagnosis cases
According to Danish Regions, 9200 citizens have a dual diagnosis and are struggling with both mental illness and substance abuse problems. They will be treated under the auspices of the regions in the future. (Archive photo). Photo: Jonas Skovbjerg Fogh/Ritzau Scanpix

Regions take charge of dual diagnosis cases

Starting Sunday, the treatment of individuals with both mental illnesses and substance abuse issues, known as dual diagnoses, becomes the responsibility of Denmark’s five regions. Previously, these approximately 9,200 citizens were treated under the aegis of both municipalities and regions, which according to the regions lead to disjointed and sometimes ineffective care. The regions claim that centralizing treatment will improve continuity, coherence, and results for these vulnerable patients. This change in responsibility is part of an agreement from the previous year and may signal the onset of a larger reform of the health system. Jakob Kjellberg, a professor of health economics, asserts that placing treatment under the regions could enhance quality, particularly in smaller municipalities.