ANP to members: Brace up to terrorism victims’ mental cases

By Muhammad Tanko Shittu

Jos

The Association of Nigerian Psychiatrists (ANP) has urged its members to brace up to the challenges of effective handling of cases of mental health needs of Nigerians, particularly victims of terrorism.
This is coming on the heels of concerns being raised by health workers on the devastating
effects of mental health confronting citizens due to terrorism attacks as well as the prevailing economic challenges in the country.
The medical experts in a communiqué issued after its 48th annual general conference and scientific workshop in Jos, the Plateau state capital, called on government at all levels to involve psychiatrists in the rehabilitation of victims of violence and terrorism, most of which are under trauma.
The communiqué was endorsed by the chairman of the local organizing committee and secretary, James Taiwo, and Bassey Edet, respectively.
It tasked government to encourage psychiatrists to undergo research works with a view to updating their knowledge in their fields of specialisation.
It noted that the role of psychiatrist spans beyond just treating the mentality ill to addressing psychological distress post trauma in the society at large.
This year’s conference was flagged off with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) annual faculty lecture delivered by Prof Olusegun Bayiewu entitled “Positive Ageing in Nigeria: The Burden of Inadequacies and Inequalities in Mental Healthcare.”
Chief Medical Director of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Prof Banwat was represented at the event by Prof Patricia Wade while Governor Simon Lalong was represented by the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kamshak Hindenburg.

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