Expert seeks inclusion of mental healthcare in insurance scheme, PHCs
A mental health advocate, Edward Omogbohun, has called for the integration of mental healthcare into the primary health care (PHC) services covered in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Mr Omogbohun, also a psychiatrist with the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, said on Tuesday in Lagos that the integration would enhance affordability and access to care.
According to him, the integration has become imperative to close the treatment gap in the delivery of mental health services across the country.
He explained that the inclusion would not only reduce stigma for people with mental disorders and their families and improve access to care but also enhance human rights protection and improve human resource capacity for mental health.
Citing the World Health Organisation (WHO), Mr Omogbohun stated that one in every four Nigerians would have a mental illness in his/her lifetime.
He expressed concern about the number of Nigerians struggling with mental health issues, saying, “Mental healthcare is in a sorry state, given that we have more than 60 million Nigerians suffering from various mental illnesses.
“Also worrisome is the fact that only about 10 per cent of such people are able to access appropriate care.”
The inclusion of mental health in PHCs and insurance schemes, according to him, will positively impact individuals, families, communities and the nation as a whole.
He decried that many Nigerians were silently battling mental health issues, often without proper support or treatment options.
He said, “There is disparity in the level of treatment and care people with mental health conditions receive in Nigeria. The rural areas persistently face a shortage of mental health services.
“The integration is an approach in global mental health that may help address unmet mental health needs in rural and other low-resource areas.”
He emphasised the interconnection of mental and physical health, stressing that neglecting mental health could adversely affect overall well-being.
He suggested the need for the nation to scale up investment in mental health, calling for an end to the stigmatisation faced by mental health responders.
He said, “Imagine a Nigeria where mental health is given the same importance as physical health.
“To ensure a holistic approach to healthcare delivery, mental healthcare needs to be included in the insurance scheme and PHC.”
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Politics
2027: NDC to inaugurate presidential council October 20
The chairman said the party was taking time to make appropriate appointments to avoid disagreements that could disrupt its campaigns.
World
About one million without electricity after hurricane makes landfall in Florida
Isaias peaked as a category three hurricane, with heavy rain and powerful winds, but has since been downgraded.
Lagos
Lagos targets 3,000MW electricity supply by March 2027
Mr Sanwo-Olu said the initiative is part of efforts to end blackouts and build a 24-hour power economy in the state.
Politics
Nigeria at its best in 12 years; no govt has built infrastructure like my husband’s, says Remi Tinubu
Mrs Tinubu also cited the administration’s food support programme, saying it was designed to provide nutritious food for children.
States
Turkish Airlines increases Lagos flights from seven to 10 weekly
The statement added that the increase was aimed at meeting the growing travel demand between Nigeria and Türkiye.
States
Gov Yusuf condoles victims of bandit attack in Kano
Mr Yusuf assured residents that the state government was intensifying efforts to strengthen security through collaboration with relevant security agencies.
