The number of severe mental cases reported at the Accra psychiatric hospital is on the increase. Data at the hospital indicates that during the first quarter of 2011, more severe mental disorders were recorded among patients who sought medical attention there.
A report available to Daily Guide indicates that the hospital recorded 218 schizophrenia cases between January and March this year comprising 102 males and 116 females.
Dr. Akwasi Osei, Ghana’s Chief Psychiatrist, in an interview lamented the current situation at the hospital saying it is not very encouraging due to the congestion there. He therefore called for speedy passage of the Mental Health Bill which he said would encourage the establishment of minor psychiatric facilities in addition to the regional hospitals to ease congestion at the three major psychiatric hospitals in the country.
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