A Consultant Psychiatrist, Prof. Taiwo Sheikh, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize mental health by creating a sustainable mental health delivery system across Nigeria.
Sheikh, who is the Coordinator of the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, stressed the need for accessible and quality mental healthcare, emphasizing that mental well-being plays a key role in curbing social vices.
“If the government can provide sustainable and accessible mental health services, citizens will enjoy optimal mental well-being,” he said in an interview on Wednesday in Lagos.
He highlighted the urgent need for the implementation of the Mental Health Act, subsidization of essential drugs, and integration of mental health services to improve the country’s overall mental health status.
With rising cases of mental illness, Sheikh decried the poor state of existing psychiatric hospitals, noting that most states lack functional mental health facilities.
He urged the government to establish more psychiatric hospitals, particularly in rural areas where access to care remains limited.
“Mental health programming in Nigeria has been poorly funded for years. Many psychiatric hospitals are dilapidated, and there are very few specialized professionals,” he stated.
Sheikh stressed that while the government must take the lead, private sector players, non-governmental organizations, and individuals should also contribute to closing the treatment gap.
“The government may not have enough resources to tackle mental health challenges alone. It is crucial for all stakeholders to step in and ensure that those in need receive proper care before they fall into the wrong hands,” he added.
He warned that neglecting mental health would lead to long-term social and economic consequences, underscoring the need for immediate intervention.
NAN
