[www.inewsguyana.com] – The National Psychiatric Hospital in Berbice will be transformed into a complex, with three components – one for the elderly, the second for addicts and the third for people with psychiatric problems and need care.
This is to reduce over-crowding at the institution, according to Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, who made the revelation to health personnel at Herdmanston Lodge recently during a forum to address mental health.
He said by the end of 2014 the discussions on the Mental Health Strategic Plan will begin to show progress and an all documents made available.
A draft plan is to be presented in early December for endorsement and funding.
In the past Guyana was limited to little or no psychiatrists, now there are five psychiatrists. Further, mental health along with Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) will be dealt with in specialised units in the Ministry of Health.
Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, pointed out the difficulties of treating the mentally ill. He told the gathering that mental health is everyone’s business as it can affect persons of any age, race or class.
He pointed out that there “needs to be a place where we can refer mentally ill persons, persons who are suffering from tobacco and other addictions.” He advised that persons get adequate sleep to ensure proper mental health.
[Extracted and modified from GINA]
