Retired nurse and founder of Ayamfooya Memorial Hospital, Thomas More, has emphasized that if there were more psychiatric hospitals in northern Ghana, many individuals seen wandering the streets would likely receive the care they need.
He pointed out that psychiatric conditions exist at various levels, requiring specialized attention, yet society often labels behaviors that deviate from the norm as abnormal.
“If there were about two or three psychiatric hospitals up north, those we see moving up and down the street would not be there.” He added, “Any behavior that is not accepted by the majority of people is considered abnormal. That is how it is.”
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. More highlighted the importance of educating the public about mental health. He stated that he had encouraged hospital staff to increase their outreach efforts but noted that financial and logistical challenges, such as a lack of funds for travel, hindered these initiatives.
“I went to the psychiatric unit at the regional hospital and told them, ‘Look, you have to go around and educate people more. You have to do a lot of talking.’” He further stressed, “We still have to put as much emphasis as we can on psychiatric needs.”
Reflecting on the state of psychiatric care, Mr. More expressed concern that the situation has worsened over time, largely due to poor planning and insufficient infrastructure. He emphasized that resources for addressing psychiatric needs remain limited and that a lack of willingness to share the little that is available further hinders efforts to tackle mental health challenges.
“The infrastructure needed to properly address psychiatric care isn’t there; it’s not enough, and people are not prepared to share.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
