Reports of the increasing number of mentally ill persons in the country are ‘worrying’ according to the Opposition Leader Matthew Wale.
Hon Wale was responding to a media statement from the Head of Psychiatry at the National Referral Hospital (NHR) that the number of mentally-ill persons in the country is on the rise.
NRH has recorded a total of 2893 cases with 269 most recent cases.
The Opposition Leader said, it is a worrying trend especially when most of the cases are caused by drug (marijuana) related, stress disorders, family issues and unemployment.
“A nation-wide effort needs to be undertaken to collect data from all over the country.
“The recorded cases are only from NRH and one could imagine hundreds more who are out there that needs urgent help,” Hon Wale said.
He said the number of reported incidences involving drug, alcohol, and suicides and so on is a reflection of the alarming social related issues faced in the country.
The Opposition Leader urged relevant government authorities and NGOs to wake up to the realities on the ground.
Wale also urged the ministry of health to review the Mental Health Act.
“We need proper mental health facilities and serious government attention. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye on this issue. These people need help to be properly housed as some may be a threat to the public as well,” he said.
Hon Wale said, progress of mental health services in the country has been very poor throughout the years and it is a concern.
– Opposition Press
