Prof. Aishatu Yusha’u-Armiya’u, Medical Director, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Barnawa-Kaduna, has commended the Kaduna State Government for establishing a drug abuse community recovery centre.
Mrs Yusha’u-Armiya’u, who disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Kaduna, said that it would reduce the number of patients in the federal institution.
She said that the establishment of the centre was a testament that Governor Uba Sani was committed to addressing the mental health needs of the citizens.
The medical director added: ”This shows his ability to care for the vulnerable among the society.
”The establishment of the centre will also relieve our federal facility of some of the burden of patients we have.
“Kaduna state stands to be the only state I know in the country that has this kind of project.
“We are not happy when we see a lot of people with drug abuse and mental health at the terminal stage of their condition, but having this facility will be the primary health care where they are taken care of.
“For you to get to my facility, it means you need extra care and I hope I will get less patients so that we will have time for more research and training on mental health.”
According to Mrs Yusha’u-Armiya’u, the gesture by the governor is a testimony to the fulfillment of the promises made by his administration.
She said: ”Community behavioral health care stands as a decor of hope for those struggling with mental health issues, other substance abuse issues and other behavioral challenges.
“This symbolizes collective commitment regarding accessible, compassionate, and evidence base care to all member of our community regardless of their background, socio-economic status or circumstances.”
Services to be provided at the centre will be delivered by a multiple disciplinary team consisting of psychiatrist, Psychologists, Counselors and Nurses.
Others are social workers that will be providing comprehensive care, offering medical advice, managing withdrawal symptoms safely and implementing evidence-based therapy to address underlying issues.
She urged the residents not to stigmatise clients coming to the centre.
Mrs Yusha’u-Armiya’u said: “I plead that the residents should not stigmatise clients coming to the recovery centre, if you see anyone here, it does not mean that one is using substances.
“Some come in here to get the right information regarding mental health, which is a major component of primary health care and fundamental functions of this center.
“No one needs to be afraid of being stigmatised to come in here because there are other information that our youths will gain from this centre.
“I hope this will be the beginning of many good things coming to mental health and human capital development in the state.”
NAN
