Pantang Psychiatric Hospital's deplorable state: National shame

I recently visited Pantang Psychiatric Hospital, and what I witnessed was nothing short of shocking.

The hospital, meant to be a sanctuary for the mentally ill, has been reduced to a mere shell of its former self.

The infrastructure is crumbling, the walls are peeling, and the unsanitary conditions are a breeding ground for diseases.

The consulting rooms, where patients seek solace and treatment, are in a state of utter disrepair. Broken furniture, peeling paint, and a general sense of neglect pervade the atmosphere.

It's unconscionable that vulnerable individuals, already struggling with their mental health, are forced to endure such conditions.

The road from Pantang Junction to the hospital is in a deplorable state, making it a challenge for patients, staff, and visitors to access the facility.

The hospital's own roads are equally bad, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by those who need care.

To make matters worse, the hospital's land has been encroached upon, further compromising the already strained facilities.

This raises serious concerns about the security and integrity of the hospital's operations.

The Ministry of Health and relevant authorities must immediately address these egregious concerns.

Patients deserve better. We need:

• Infrastructure upgrade: Renovate facilities to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
• Road repairs: Fix the roads leading to and within the hospital to facilitate easy access.
• Protection of Hospital land: Ensure the hospital's land is protected from encroachment and used for its intended purpose.

It's time for the government to prioritise mental health care and invest in the well-being of its citizens. We can't afford to neglect our most vulnerable populations any longer.

Lawrence Danny Aseye Amenuvor, 
Shared Focus Partners in Mission.