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| (Dr. Ruth Owusu-Antwi, President of the Psychiatric Association of Ghana ) |
The Psychiatric Association of Ghana is advocating for the integration of mental health care into the country's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The President of the association, Dr. Ruth Owusu-Antwi, emphasized that such integration would promote equitable access to quality healthcare for all individuals in Ghana.
Dr. Owusu-Antwi made these remarks during the second annual general and scientific meeting of the association, which focused on protecting the fundamental human rights of individuals with mental health disorders. Integrating mental healthcare into the NHIS would not only improve the well-being of patients but also demonstrate the government's commitment to ensuring that mental health services receive the same level of attention as other healthcare services.
Advocating for the protection of the rights of individuals with mental health disorders, Dr. Owusu-Antwi stressed the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues and raising awareness. She called for a society that respects and upholds the rights of those facing mental health challenges, emphasizing that having a mental health condition should never be a justification for depriving someone of their rights or excluding them from decisions concerning their own well-being.
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Professor Akwasi Osei, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Mental Health Authority, echoed the need for the protection of the rights of mental health patients. He emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of society to recognize and promote mental health as a fundamental human right, steadily eradicating discrimination and stigmatization from a society that values the well-being of every individual.
Dr. Ernest Kwadwo Puni Kwarko, the Board Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority, revealed that plans are underway to include mental health treatment in the NHIS to achieve universal health coverage. This step demonstrates the commitment of the authority to ensure that mental health care receives the necessary recognition and support within the national healthcare system.
Under the theme "Mental Health is a Universal Human Right," the second annual general and scientific meeting brought together a diverse range of professionals, experts, and stakeholders in the field of mental health. The meeting provided a platform to address critical issues surrounding mental health rights and access to care, fostering meaningful discussions and collaborations toward achieving a comprehensive and inclusive mental healthcare system in Ghana.
It is essential to recognize and prioritize mental health as an integral part of overall well-being. By integrating mental health care into national health insurance schemes, individuals will have greater access to the support they need, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare system that values the rights and dignity of all citizens.
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