The Ogun Assembly has passed a resolution seeking to integrate mental health services into general hospital facilities in the state.

Damilare Bello (PDP-Sagamu I) moved the motion for the resolution to be adopted during Tuesday’s plenary in Abeokuta. It was seconded by Dickson Awolaja (PDP-Remo North).

Leading the debate on the motion, Mr Bello observed the increasing rate of individuals facing mental health challenges, often left to roam the streets with little or no specialised service.

He called for enhanced coordination and communication between medical and mental healthcare providers.

“It will pave the way for more comprehensive patient care, especially when dealing with the biological complications of mental disorders.

“Also, it is worthy of note that the increasing stigma associated with mental health has caused more trauma for the relatives of affected patients.

“The House of Assembly recommends to the state government to ensure that patients have easy access to mental health services alongside physical healthcare without the need for separate appointments or facilities; all services can be delivered in the same hospital,” he said.

Mr Bello stated that the integration of the policy would help to reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges by normalising access to services within the general hospital environment.

He said, “Sharing resources and infrastructure of mental health services with general hospitals across the state can lead to cost savings for hospitals and healthcare systems.”

Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate noted that people with mental challenges should not be stigmatised.

The Majority Leader, Yusuf Serif (APC-Ado Odo Ota 1), moved that the motion become the resolution of the house, as seconded by the Minority Leader, Lukmon Adeleye (PDP-Odogbolu).

While commending his colleagues, the speaker, Oludaisi Elemide (APC -Odeda), advised that patients’ mental health information should be protected and managed within the general hospital setting. 

(NAN)