Physicians have called on the Kwara State government to include mental healthcare services at the primary healthcare centres in the state.
They made the call at an event organised by the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) in collaboration with the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) to mark the World Health Day in Ilorin, the state capital.
In her presentation, a consultant psychiatrist, Dr Oluwabunmi Buhari, harped on the need to introduce mental health care into PHCs in the state.
Buhari, who spoke on “My Health, My Right: Mental Health and Well-being”, said mental healthcare in primary healthcare, will help people access the treatment and care that they need near to their homes.
She said this would 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 problems.
She explained 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 stigmatisation and discrimination of people suffering with mental illness.
In her presentation, the director of Public Health, Kwara State Ministry of Health, Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, pointed out that around half of the world’s population don’t have access to effective healthcare.
Fakayode spoke on the topic, “My Health, My Right: Healthcare Access and Equity in Kwara State”.
He described health as a fundamental human right and entitlement of the people which was ratified by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He said since the inception of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) has received a boost as the government paid counterpart funds as and when due.
In his goodwill message, the chief medical director of UITH, Prof Abdullahi Yusuf, said health services should be available, accessible, acceptable and of good quality.
Yusuf who was represented by Prof Sunday Aderibigbe added that health is a requirement for people to live in a better world.
