MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCLUDE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES TO NHIS

It is reported that, over 2 million Ghanaians have mental health challenges, Constituting 13% of the country’s population.

The report reveals a 98% treatment gap as a challenge and must be treated with urgency.

Response to the report, the Chief executive officer for Willingway Recovery and Rehabilitation centre at Ejisu Asewaase in the Ejisu Municipal of the Ashanti region, Madam Lydia Abena Manu Adofo has called on the Government to treat the report with interest.

Speaking with Oyerepa FM’s Okogyeabour Ocran after receiving a Lifetime awards from the Ghana Philanthropy Awards un Accra, she lamented the less attention given to mental health care in Ghana.

According to her, the rise in mental health issues in Ghana is so alarming and it’s time the Government factors it to the National Insurance scheme.

This she believes can coil the Canker because, the treatment of Mental illness is costly which cannot be afforded by man.

Madam Lydia Abena Manu therefore described the report as a National security threat and be treated same.

She added that, the misconception that, mental health illness spiritual is one of the challenges faced in treating the disease.

She explained that, a concerted effort has been put in place to tighten public education.

On her part, Some of the Mental health nurses at the Willingway and Recovery Centre also encouraged the public to take a keen interest in their mental health status.

Story// Okogyeabour Ocran