Delayed Action: Mental Health Department Yet To Form Despite Presidential Green Light

Delayed Action: Mental Health Department Yet To Form Despite Presidential Green Light

Sixteen months after the signing of the Mental Health Bill into law, the Nigerian government has not yet established a Department of Mental Health Services within the Federal Ministry of Health, according to an investigation by Saturday PUNCH……….. CONTINUE READING

Former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Mental Health Bill 2021 on January 5, 2023, replacing the outdated Lunacy Act of 1958. The new law allows for the establishment of a dedicated department tasked with proposing national health policies and overseeing their implementation, as well as supporting advanced mental health care and ensuring humane treatment and rehabilitation.

Experts warn that without this department, Nigeria continues to operate under outdated legislation, hindering the full realization of the Mental Health Act 2021’s objectives. President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Prof. Taiwo Obindo, confirmed that the Ministry of Health has yet to take concrete steps towards establishing the department or setting up a National Mental Health Fund.

According to Obindo, the absence of these structures allows unqualified individuals to provide mental health services, potentially violating the rights of those with mental health conditions. He emphasized the importance of a dedicated budgetary allocation and autonomous status for the department to effectively address mental health challenges.

Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, a consultant psychiatrist, and Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, expressed optimism that efforts are underway within the Ministry of Health to establish the department. He noted the existence of a precursor unit for the mental health program and anticipated progress towards full departmental establishment in the near future.

Attempts to reach Dr. Tunde Ojo, National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

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