The stakeholders’ meeting on the implementation of basic mental health services, organised by the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB), held on the 4th of September, 2024.
The main objective of this workshop was to intimate the stakeholders on the progress made on the integration of basic mental health services into the Rivers State primary health care system.
In attendance were the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Chidinma Oreh, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary of Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Mekele Igwe, the Executive Secretary of RSPHCMB, Prof. Kinikanwo Green, the Executive Secretary of River State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, Directors from the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Permanent Secretaries from different Ministries in the State, Directors from the RSPHCMB, different program managers from the RSMOH and the RSPHCMB, Medical Officers of Health, primary health care workers and partners from various NGOs, etc.
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Dede Siyeofori, gave an overview of the journey so far, stating the various activities and steps that has been employed by the Board in ensuring that this programme is a success. Basic mental health services commenced this year in May, 2024. The following activities have been conducted, including: a formative study for social and behavioural change communication (SBCC), development of Mental Health guidelines, development of data tools/registers, development of a monitoring and evaluation framework, drug management plan, on-the-job mentoring and clinical supervision plan, advocacy and community engagement plan, to mention but a few.
He reiterated the fact that Rivers State is the first state that is using the mhGAP (Mental Health Gap Action Programme) version 3.0 to integrate mental health care services into the Rivers State Primary Health Care System. It is therefore pertinent that we deliver the best, as the nation, and in fact the world is focused on us.
The Executive Secretary of RSPHCMB, Prof. Kinikanwo Green, in his address stated that Mental Health is indeed a big branch of health, and its importance cannot be overemphasised. He encouraged every participant to be committed to quality service delivery and to the care of our patients and clients.
