The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrate Confraternity) has donated drugs to the Behavioral Unit of the Karu General Hospital, Abuja to commemorate the 2020 World Mental Health Day.
The Capoon, Sahara Deck of the Association, Mr. Victor Ofili while speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the donation with his team members noted that the support for mental health by the association is important considering the meager allocation attributed to mental health issue, stigmatization and neglect by the government.
According to Mr. Victor mental health is a very big issue in Nigeria today and as such, government should pay more attention by funding the unit adequately.
“This is part of our programme to mark the mental health day, and we had the national programme held by the national body, in our own little way, we have to identify with karu general hospital so and give our little support.”
“Mental health is a very big investment and we know how our government allocate budget, but what we are appealing is for our government to pay more attention to mental health issues, so we are appealing to government to look into more funding for behavioral issues in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the Medical Director and Chief Psychiatrist, Karu General Hospital, Dr Ede Ojo on her part noted 1 out of 4 Nigerian has one mental issue or the other and as such well meaning Nigerians, groups and associations should support to curb the rising issue of mental health in Nigeria.
“This is not what government can do alone, we need many people to come and support us, 1 out of 4 Nigerians suffer from mental health condition, and we need more support.
Dr Ojo while expressing her appreciation on the receipt of the donation said as part of activities marking the event, the Behavioral Unit of Karu General Hospital has begun a sensitization programme for the karu community while bridging the stigmatization gap in the society.