The number of mental patients admitted to the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Yaba increased by 100% in 2023, marking a notable peak.
Chief Medical Director Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye disclosed this information at the hospital’s Annual Score Card presentation, “A Day with the Medical Director,” in Lagos.
According to Dr. Owoeye, the overall number of new cases increased by 7%, while the number of male and female follow-up patients increased by 3%.
The rise in the number of admittance cases is linked to the nation’s increasing frequency of mental health disorders, which are made worse by the present economic downturn and other socioeconomic issues.
He stated, “In 2023, the total number of all patient attendances increased by three per cent. There was a seven per cent increase in new cases attended, compared to no increase in 2022.
“We also have a 100 per cent increase in admission cases, with drug abuse cases showing a 10 per cent increase, while discharge cases reduced by 10 per cent.”
Among the achievements highlighted by Dr. Owoeye during the period were the completion of the administrative building in Yaba and the rehabilitation of internal roads and drainages in the Yaba and Oshodi annex of the hospital.
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He also included others such as the rehabilitation of hospital wards, Yaba, and Oshodi annex, ongoing construction work on the Tele-Psychiatric centre, upgrade of the physiotherapy department, and ongoing construction of the outpatient clinic.
Despite these achievements, the Chief Medical Director identified inadequate manpower and funding as the major challenges faced by the hospital in 2023.
The exit of health professionals in search of better opportunities has affected the hospital’s manpower, necessitating the urgent establishment of a system for their replacement.
Looking ahead to 2024, Dr. Owoeye emphasized prioritizing staff welfare, boosting manpower development, and completing ongoing projects within the specified timeframe.
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He expressed a commitment to prudent management of available resources to address staff welfare and undertake new projects in the coming year.
