Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti on Monday signed into law the state’s Mental Health Service bill and promised to prioritise qualitative health services delivery to the people.

Mr Fayemi, while signing the bill into law, stressed the importance of ensuring that people living with mental disorders have access to appropriate care.

“The new law would protect, provide care and treat persons living with mental health disorders in order to save them from unnecessary stigma and marginalisation,” he said.

Mr Fayemi noted that the framework would handle critical issues of hospitalisation and provision of high quality care among others.

The Governor said the core objectives of the law includes establishing purpose-built mental health facilities and medical Social Work Department and units in selected secondary and tertiary medical facilities.

Others are to guarantee the protection of persons suffering from mental disorder or illness and substance abuse in the state.

“This law is another promise kept in our pursuit to deliver a qualitative, people-centred healthcare solution to Ekiti Kete that leaves no one behind.

“It will complement other efforts towards ensuring adequate health and social protection for our people, and we are grateful to God for the privilege of being the instrument through which His love for the vulnerable amongst us is demonstrated,” he said.

(NAN)