Neuro Psychiatric Hospital declares war on suicide

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital Kaduna has resolved to tackle mental health illness resulting to suicide.
The Medical Director of the Hospital Professor Abdulkareem Jika Yusuf stated this during a rally to mark the World Mental Health Day in Kaduna yesterday.
According to him, in line with this year’s theme “Suicide Prevention” the Hospital is prepared to tackle mentally related suicide.
Yusuf also maintained that “ mental illness is like any other sickness and we don’t have mad people, discriminatory acts worsen such situations”
“We must all agree to work together to fight drug abuse which is now so pronounced especially in the North West here, young boys and girls are into substance taking, even married women are now doing it and about have of our bed spaces are occupied by patience who at one point were taking substance the resultant effects leading to mental illness “ Yusuf stated.
On government role in ending mentally related suicide, he stressed that “the Government over the years paid lip services to mental illness stressing that with just 120 bed space the hospital cannot handle mental cases.
Yusuf however expressed hope and satisfaction in the Leadership style of President Mohammadu Buhari stressing that with increased budgetary provisions the hospital can effectively man its catchment area.