Prof. Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), has called for improved access to mental health care by integrating it into Primary Health Care (PHC).
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Abuja, Obindo emphasised that the approach would ensure that mental health issues were addressed, especially at the grassroots level.
He proposed a review of medical school, nursing school, and community health worker curricula to enhance mental health education and training, incorporating more lectures and practical exposure to mental health conditions.
Obindo also pointed out the need for training all healthcare professionals to include mental health conditions as part of holistic health reforms.
Highlighting the challenges faced in mental health care, he noted the soaring cost of psychiatric drugs, which had become unaffordable due to their importation and the impact of the dollar exchange rate.
He also stressed the importance of advocacy and awareness campaigns to support the implementation of the National Mental Health Act 2021, which he believed needed urgent attention.
Obindo called for an increased budgetary allocation to health, measures to stem the migration of mental health practitioners, and the urgent implementation of the National Mental Health Act.
He also emphasised the need to educate the public about mental illness, reduce stigma, and involve individuals with lived experiences to share positive treatment outcomes.
To address the shortage of mental health professionals, especially in rural areas, he suggested improving the working environment, offering incentives for rural practitioners, and integrating mental health into primary healthcare.
Obindo also advocated for the training of lower-cadre healthcare workers to deliver basic mental health care under supervision.
“The APN is also pushing for the establishment of a mental health department within the Ministry of Health.
“This initiative aims to streamline mental health services and ensure effective implementation of the National Mental Health Act.
“Additionally, the APN is planning a second colloquium in partnership with Canadian institutions, bringing together stakeholders to discuss mental health policies and actions.
“The event, titled “From Law to Action,” will focus on moving mental health reforms from theory into practice,” he said. (NAN)
