Mental Health Coordinator Urges Government Intervention In Affordable Mental Health Medications

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Mental Health Coordinator for the Bono Region, Dr. Joseph Yere has appealed to the government to commit to making medications necessary for combating mental diseases in the region available and affordable.

Recognizing the dire circumstances of individuals battling mental illnesses, Dr. Yere indicated that medicines needed to cater to their health needs have become exorbitant. This presents challenges to families who are saddled with financial burdens and are unable to keep up with the high costs.  

“We have appealed to the government several times to put measures in place for NHIS to cover drugs for mental diseases. However, this has not yielded any positive results, and these medications are very expensive,” He explained.

Speaking in an interview with Newshuntermag.com‘s Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku on Unlimited Chat With K.O.K aired on Top City TV, Dr. Yere highlighted the importance of mental health and the predicament of several patients in the region, several of whom are susceptible to neglect.

He also noted that obtaining these crucial medicines from the government for patients at reduced costs has become increasingly difficult in recent months.

“With the delays from the government, patients resort to getting their prescriptions at very high costs from pharmacies. This is a major disincentive for continuation of treatment.”

Affordable and accessible medical supplies will mitigate the financial burden on these individuals and their families and contribute to proper treatment of their various conditions, he said.

Dr. Yere also appealed to the government to provide logistic support in the form of vehicles, to allow his outfit to reach remote areas where they embark on mental health outreach programs.

Watch the full conversation on Unlimited Chat With K.O.K below.