Dr Maalug Yennusom
The acting Director-General of Pantang Hospital, Dr Maalug Yennusom has renewed calls for the full implementation of Ghana’s Mental Health Act, emphasizing the urgent need to make mental health services free and accessible under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Speaking on GTV Breakfast as part of Purple Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about mental health in Ghana, he lamented the continued financial burden placed on patients, despite legal provisions meant to guarantee free mental health care.
“Currently, people pay for mental health services. The Act was supposed to make mental health care free, but that’s not the case,” he said, urging the current government to fast-track integration into NHIS. “This would reduce financial harm and encourage more people to seek help.”
He also highlighted disparities in personnel distribution. While the number of psychiatrists has increased to over 70, most are concentrated in Accra and Kumasi, leaving many regions underserved.
He called on government to enforce decentralization provisions in the Mental Health Act to ensure that all public hospitals provide basic mental health services, including support from mental health nurses.
He concluded by stressing the need for public education to break stigma and improve awareness about existing mental health units across the country.
Purple Month, led by the Mental Health Authority, is observed throughout May to encourage national dialogue on mental health, fight stigma, and promote access to services. This week’s focus is on maternal mental health, with educational outreach at facilities including Pantang Hospital and La General, and RCH.
