Health
THE Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria (APN) says depression, suicide and drug abuse have not only become a menace in the country but national emergency.
The association disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja by Dr Oluseun Nubi on behalf of Dr Raphael Ogbolu, the Chairman and 2018 AGM Local Organising Committee of Chairman.
The statement was issued ahead of the association’s 49th Annual General Conference scheduled for Nov. 27 to Nov. 30 with the theme “Brain Drain in mental health: The Impacts and solutions”.
According to him, the theme of the conference is apt, following the increase in the emigration of qualified mental health professional, even in the face of increasing mental illness and already depleted manpower.
He stated that “the conference specifically aimed at discussing mental health issues of Nigerians and ways to promote general wellbeing.
“We therefore call for urgent attention of all and sundry to address the dreaded monsters.”
World Health Organisation defined mental health as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully and able to make contributions to his or her community.
Ogbolu said that the conference was also aimed at addressing the lingering delay in the passage of mental health bill.
He explained that the bill had remained in the National Assembly since 1980s with successive legislative sessions being held year in year out without it being passed into law.
He identified the bill as a fundamental document, noting that if passed into law, it would address issues of stigmatisation and improve mental health awareness.
According to him, the mental health bill will also increase mental healthcare facilities, increase manpower, protection of those with mental illness, their social cohesion and inclusion.
-NAN
BE
– Nov. 14, 2018 @ 13:58 GMT |
Tags: Psychiatrists association calls for national emergency on depression suicide
