Pantang Hospital@50- Director calls for Funding Support to Boost Mental Healthcare
As Pantang Hospital launches its 50th anniversary, Director Dr. Yenusuom Maalug is sounding the alarm about the urgent need for sustainable financial support to strengthen mental health delivery nationwide.
The hospital, established in 1975 as a 500-bed facility with a Pan-African Mental Health Village in mind, has been providing critical psychiatric care to Ghanaians for decades.
History of Pantang Hospital
Originally built to serve as a hub for mental health care in West Africa, Pantang Hospital has faced significant challenges, including inadequate funding and infrastructure decay. Despite these challenges, the hospital remains a vital institution in Ghana’s mental health landscape, offering inpatient and outpatient services, rehabilitation programs, and training for mental health professionals.
Challenges Facing Pantang Hospital.
Speaking on GHONE TV monitored by EXPRESSNEWSGHANA, Dr. Maalug appealed for a special levy dedicated to mental health care to cushion the hospital and ensure better treatment for patients.
Expensive Medication
The director is urging the government to include mental health treatment under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to make medication more accessible
Deteriorating Infrastructure
The hospital’s infrastructure is in dire need of renovation, with internal roads in poor condition and wards requiring a facelift.
Call to Action
Dr. Maalug is calling on the Government to introduce a special levy for mental health care andl treatment under NHIS.
He further called for Corporate Partnership support with the hospital to provide quality mental health care.
The Director said with the dire needs of the hospital, it was prudent members of the public donate to support the hospital’s mission.
In a direct appeal to President John Dramani Mahama, Dr. Maalug proposed the construction of a new modern Pantang Hospital as a lasting legacy project, which would improve infrastructure and demonstrate a strong national commitment to tackling Ghana’s growing mental health challenges.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
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