Mr Victor Nuamah, a Psychiatric Nurse at the Obuasi Government Hospital, has raised alarm over the increasing prevalence of mental health cases in the municipality. Speaking at an annual health performance review meeting in Obuasi, Mr Nuamah expressed deep concern, noting that encounters with mental health patients had become alarmingly frequent, with cases seemingly pervasive.
Mr Nuamah highlighted the lack of reliable data on the prevalence of mental health disorders in the country. However, he referenced estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating that approximately 13% of Ghanaians suffer from mental disorders, with varying degrees of severity.
Specifically, Mr. Nuamah pointed to concerning trends in certain mental health disorders. Cases of schizophrenic, schizotypal, and delusional disorders had increased from 28 in 2022 to 30 in 2023. Similarly, issues related to mental health disorders induced by alcohol and psychoactive substance use rose from 28 in 2022 to 38 in 2023.
Mr. Nuamah called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address mental health challenges, particularly concerning substance abuse. He emphasized the importance of facilitating discussions and devising strategies to mitigate the incidence of mental health disorders.
Contrary to widespread beliefs that the attrition rate of nurses had significantly impacted healthcare delivery, Mr. Martin Safo Osei, the Obuasi Municipal Director of Health Services, presented data indicating that nurse-to-patient ratios in the municipality remained stable. Despite Ghana being among the countries facing a serious shortage of health workers, Mr Osei commended health professionals in the area for their dedication and commitment to providing quality healthcare.
Meanwhile, Madam Peace Mati, the Head of Administration at the Obuasi Government Hospital, announced the acquisition of a dialysis machine donated by the Asaase Foundation. The machine has been installed, and efforts are underway to train health professionals on its operation. Additionally, plans are being made to procure consumables to ensure proper care for patients in need of dialysis.
The collective efforts of healthcare professionals and stakeholders are crucial in addressing the rising mental health challenges and ensuring adequate healthcare provision in the Obuasi Municipality.