Attorney seeks to address gaps in Guyana’s mental health sector
New York Attorney Anthony Autar, has announced the launch of a consultancy firm to address critical gaps in the mental health sector in Guyana.
This entity−the Autar Consultancy Firm − is based in Kingston, Georgetown, and provides a unique range of services, including expert legal, policy guidance to Government agencies, risk management services, training to healthcare institutions, and a steady hand to families navigate the local mental health sector.
According to Autar, the gaps in Guyana’s mental health system must be urgently addressed.
New York Attorney Anthony Autar
“For too long, the people of Guyana have had to settle for sub-optimal mental health services – with scarce professionals, who are often overworked, an antiquated legal framework that fails to promote and protect the human rights and dignity of individuals living with mental illnesses, and widespread discrimination.”
According to the founder, the consultancy firm is very troubled to see the number of Guyanese who are unable to access quality care in a timely manner.
“We are concerned that the people of Guyana will continue to suffer in silence, and fall through the cracks, if we do not act speedily to improve the standards of mental health services in Guyana,” Autar noted.
It was noted that the firm will be vigorously advocating for the implementation of an updated mental health law to replace the outdated Mental Hospital Ordinance of 1930, and the decriminalisation of suicide. In addition, they are also providing training and professional guidance on a variety of mental health and related matters to healthcare institutions. Services will also be offered to families seeking guidance in accessing mental healthcare for loved ones in need.
Autar graduated with a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the Hofstra University School of Law, where he was an Associated Editor for the Hofstra Law Review and a Health Law and Policy Fellow. Before returning to Guyana, Autar worked at a Manhattan-based health law litigation firm.
