Physicians Canvass Introduction of Mental Healthcare into PHCs in Kwara

 

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Physicians on Monday in Ilorin advised the Kwara Government to introduce mental healthcare at Primary Healthcare levels across the 16 Local Government Area of the state.

The Physicians made the call at the commemoration of the World Health Day orgnaised by the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), in collaboration with Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN).

The theme for World Health Day 2024 is entitled: “My health, my right”, which champions the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services.

In her presentation, Dr Oluwabunmi Buhari, a Consultant Psychiatrist, of the Department of Behavioral Science of UITH emphasized the need to introduce mental health care into PHCs.

She spoke on “My Health, My Right: Mental Health and Well-being”.

According to her, mental healthcare in primary healthcare, will help people access the treatment and care that they need near to their homes.

She noted that this will also help maintain support systems, remain integrated and active in the community and continue to contribute to household productivity.

The expert on mental illness observed that one in every four people will experience mental health problem.

She described Mental illnesses as health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behaviour.

“Mental illnesses can be associated with distress and problems functioning in social, work or family activities.

“Mental health is also key to relationships, personal and emotional well-being and contributing to community or society,” she said.

According to her, Mental health is a component of overall well-being, which can influence and be influenced by physical health.

She submitted that Mental illness does not discriminate; and it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, geography, income, social status, race, ethnicity, religion and spirituality.

The expert warned against stigma and discrimination on those with mental illness.

Buhari added that risk factors included social, physical and psychological, while advising people to look on life with positivity, smile always, give and support other people.

Also speaking, Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, Director for Public Health, Kwara State Ministry of Health pointed out that around half of the world’s population dont have access to effective healthcare.

Fakayode spoke on the topic: “My Health, My Right: Healthcare Access and Equity in Kwara State”.

He stated that the theme of the the world health day is apt, as it is a call to action for all healthcare providers and other critical stakeholders and philanthropist to champion the cause and ensure people have access to qualitative healthcare.

He described health as the fundamental human right and entitlement for people which was ratified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to him, since the inception of the present administration of Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) has received boost as the government paid counterpart fund.

He added that BHCPF has automatically improved access to primary health care, with various renovations of existing structures and its facilities.

According to him, some of the facilities that were not working before the inception of the administration are now functional, with mass recruitment of healthcare workers.

“There is now increased services for maternal healthcare and provisons of additional hospital beds,” he said.

Fakayode also said the government is recording success with the Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme, known as the KwaraCare, as there are increasing enrollees benefitting from the health insurance.

Dr Sarumi Olakunle, a Consultant Public Health Physician of the Department of Epidemiology of UITH called for the need to uphold the Patient’s bill of right.

He advised on the need for healthcare providers to respect the rights of patients, which also warns on discriminating against any patient.

Earlier in his Goodwill message, Prof Abdullahi Yusuf-Dasilva, the Chief Medical Director of UITH said health services should be available, accessible, acceptable and of good quality.

The CMD who was represented by Prof. Sunday Aderibigbe, Consultant Public Health Physician added that health is a requirement for people to live in a better world. (NAN)

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