Nakuru County on Tuesday joined the world in commemorating World Mental Health Day under the theme ‘Mental Health in the workplace ‘with calls for investment in healthy workplace through trans formative leadership and changes to reduce risk factors for stress at workplace.
This the health experts argue will go a long way in healthy living and socio economic development for the achievement of vision 2030 targets as well as Sustainable Development Goals
In a speech from Director of Medical services Dr.Jackson Kioko which was read on his behalf by Dr.Isaac Odongo during the celebrations at Gilgil psychiatric Hospital grounds in Nakuru County, the Director noted that the Ministry of Health was addressing the issue of mental health through implementation of Kenya Mental Health policy 2014-2030.
He stated that this will enable attainment of the highest standard of mental health which includes the optimal health status and capacity of each individual in the workplace.
According to the Ministry of Health, some of the mental health policy priority actions include workplace programs to assist workers in handling stressful work life situations, strategies to ensure no stigma and discrimination to persons with mental health problem in workplace and alcohol and substance abuse prevention and management.
“This is in line with the constitution of Kenya 2010, vision 2030, the Kenya Health Policy 2014-2030 and the global commitment as mental health is key determinant to the overall health and socio-economic development “he said.
Sentiments echoed by Nakuru county Chief Officer Health Dr.Samuel Mwaura who revealed that the county government has set aside budget allocation for Mental health.
He added that they are partnering with other stakeholders among them World Vision in a project on the same that is at preliminary stage in Nakuru, Naivasha and Gilgil.
“We have a budget allocation as a county on the same and we are working on with other partners on a program on mental health which we shall roll out “said Dr.Mwaura.
On his part Dr.Simon Njuguna who is also the director of Mental Health, called on employers to ensure there is condusive atmosphere for employees at the work place.
“So far we are having workshops to advocate for condusive atmosphere for employees at the workplace” he said.
The chairman of the Gilgil psychiatric hospital that hosts 58 permanent resident patients Kenneth Githii decried over lack of funding from the national government.
He said that the psychiatric wing of the hospital is part of Mathari referral hospital which was not devolved and as such there is need to ensure more funds are pumped into the hospital kitty.
“To date the hospital has an outstanding debt of Shs 8 million and it has to struggle to feed the over 100 patients in the facility. Although the county government allocates some funds to the facility, the allocation is minimal to meet the demands of the hospital” he said.
Similar sentiments were also echoed by the Hospital administrator Dr.Dorcas Murage who called on the county government to ensure that more funds are allocated to the facility to help them manage.
PHOTO/Pristone Mambili:Nakuru County Chief Officer Health Dr.Samuel Mwaura(left) and Dr.Isaack Odongo addressing media at Gilgil psychiatric Hospital grounds during the World Mental Day commemoration.
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