Oyo State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, on Friday, held a public hearing on the Oyo State Mental Health Bill 2022 to enhance the medical security of persons with mental conditions across the state.
Speaking during the public hearing at the House of Chiefs Parliament, Chairman of the Committee on Health, Hon. Rilwan Gbadamosi Saminu, said that the bill aims to address the increasing rate of mental health challenges ravaging our society, which necessitated the public hearing geared towards receiving various recommendations and inputs from all stakeholders.
According to his opening remarks, “One of the major indexes of living a stable life is individual choices, which can be attributed to the mental health condition of individuals. In other words, wrong choices harm the mental stability of individuals.
“Our society is plagued with vary mental health challenges which are critical to the survival of families. Societal perception of individuals with mental health challenges is negative and ought to be corrected. This category of people is to be provided with quality medical treatment, not to be stigmatized and should live decently within the larger society.
“Government at all levels should put measures in place to uphold the fundamental human right of people with mental health challenges. In furtherance of this, the Rt Hon. Speaker, some Members and my humble self sponsored this important Bill that holistically takes care of mental health, diagnoses, treats, prescribes servicing, funds and protects mental health patients. The objective of the Bill is to address the establishment of mental health facilities, among others.”
The Commissioner For Health, Dr Oladipo, while speaking, highlighted some challenges posed to society as a result of pervading cases of mental health.
He attributed the growing trajectory to stress usually caused by the economic hardship and insecurity Nigerians are battling. He recommended prioritising inclusivity when selecting the steering committee members.
The representative of the Nigerian Medical Association commended the House of Assembly for the laudable bill and emphasized that its members should be included in the steering committee.
The representative of Oyo State Commissioner of Police, while speaking, claimed that efforts should be geared towards awareness against stigmatization of people suffering mental health issues and that persons with mental health in any workplace should rather be helped and rehabilitated rather than passing hasty dismissal judgement on the person.
The representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) spoke on some steps taken by its agency in nibbling the menace of drug abuse in the bud to reduce the challenges of mental health in society drastically.
Other experts at the event agreed that adequate funding should be provided for the health care system and that sensitisation and public enlightenment should be prioritized.
Among the personalities who graced the occasion were honourables Akeem Adedibu, Owolabi, Femi Julius, Hon. Akintunde AKT, representatives of the Nigerian Medical Association, Red Cross Society, heads of parastatals, clinical psychologists and other medical experts.
