ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT EXPANDS MENTAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES

By Obianuju Isima

The administration of Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has intensified efforts to improve mental healthcare services across the state, with initiatives aimed at supporting people living with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.

One of the key projects is the approval of a mental health rehabilitation centre in Nibo, Awka. The facility is expected to provide rehabilitation, counseling, and reintegration support for patients discharged from psychiatric institutions before they return to their communities.

The government has also strengthened infrastructure at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital Nawfia by approving reconstruction and fortification works around the facility to improve security and enhance its operations.

As part of broader healthcare reforms, the Soludo administration has upgraded primary healthcare centres, constructed new general hospitals, employed additional health workers, and introduced telemedicine services aimed at expanding access to healthcare, including mental health services, across the state.

The administration has equally promoted mental health awareness and screening programmes. During the 2024 World Mental Health Day celebration, the state government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Anambra State Ministry of Health, organized free mental health screening for civil servants to encourage early detection and treatment of mental health conditions.

In another major intervention, Governor Soludo supported the establishment of a free psychiatric hospital in Aguleri through a partnership involving the Seraphic Homes Foundation and Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi. The facility provides free psychiatric diagnosis, treatment, medication, rehabilitation, accommodation, and welfare services for individuals living with mental illnesses, including schizophrenia.

The governor also pledged government support for the hospital through road access, electricity connection, and financial assistance.

The initiatives reflect growing attention to mental healthcare in Anambra State at a time when access to psychiatric services remains limited in many parts of Nigeria.