By Chioma Obinna

The Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, has called for enhanced funding and support to address rising challenges in mental health care. The hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, made this appeal during the official visit of the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako.

While expressing gratitude for the federal government’s commitment to mental health initiatives, Owoeye highlighted the urgent need for additional resources to sustain and expand the hospital’s services.

Owoeye noted the increasing number of patients and the growing prevalence of drug addiction, stressing that without adequate funding and infrastructure, these challenges will be difficult to overcome.

“To maintain our position as a leading provider of mental health care in Nigeria, there is a need for further government intervention,” he emphasized.

The hospital has achieved significant milestones, becoming an accredited training and examination center for the National Postgraduate Medical College and the West African College of Physicians. It boasts an over 80 percent success rate among its resident doctors and a 100 percent pass rate in its psychiatric nursing program.

Additionally, the institution has expanded its research collaborations, partnering with international organizations such as the University of New Zealand and hosting annual research fairs to advance mental health innovation.

Despite these achievements, critical gaps remain. Dr. Owoeye identified key areas requiring urgent intervention, including:

A purpose-built drug unit

Enhanced capacity for patient admissions

Additional staff accommodations

Improved power supply infrastructure

“In a month, the hospital spends over half a million naira on electricity alone, yet our overhead allocation is insufficient to cover this cost,” Owoeye lamented.

He also stressed the importance of constructing additional facilities and housing for resident doctors to improve patient care and staff efficiency.

Owoeye highlighted the need for a large-scale awareness campaign to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage early intervention.

“Mental health issues in Nigeria are exacerbated by stigma and delayed care. We must educate the public to reduce stigmatization and ensure that individuals seek help early,” he said.

Responding, Minister Salako commended the hospital’s achievements and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving mental health care. He assured support through the implementation of the newly signed Mental Health Bill, which seeks to expand mental health services and establish a dedicated department within the Federal Ministry of Health.

“With the signing of the Mental Health Bill into law, we are prepared to take bold steps to prioritize mental health in Nigeria. This includes addressing drug abuse, supporting indigent patients, and enhancing infrastructure at psychiatric institutions like this one,” the minister stated.

The Minister acknowledged the hospital’s challenges, including the need for increased funding and manpower.

“The government is exploring a Vulnerable Support Fund in the 2024-2025 budget to assist indigent patients. We also aim to address delays in manpower approvals and encourage healthcare workers to remain committed to serving their country,” he revealed.

Salako urged the hospital to invest in digital technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

“Digital technology is key to modernizing mental health care. I encourage the hospital to explore partnerships that can facilitate this transition,” he concluded.

The visit underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to improving mental health care and the hospital’s critical role in addressing the nation’s mental health challenges.