The Oyo State Mental Health Service Bill, 2022 has been given its first reading in the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Muhammad Fadeyi, Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, Minority Leader, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, and Hon. Saminu are all co-sponsors of the bill that will protect, care for, and treat those in Oyo State who are mentally ill.
One of the goals of the bill is to ensure that medical social work departments and units are established in all primary, secondary, and tertiary medical facilities in Oyo State. Another goal is to guarantee that people who are mentally ill have access to the facilities they require.
When the bill is passed, it will also ensure that those in the State who have mental illnesses or are abusing drugs are protected.
Speaking to reporters, Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin stated that the bill was a fulfillment of his promise to stakeholders during the 2022 World Mental Health Day celebration that took place on October 10 in Ibadan.
” I promised at that forum that Oyo State would be among the first five States to pass the Mental Health Bill in the country. Here we are, the process has commenced. It has now passed first reading. We will give it accelerated hearing so that we may record another feat in the House of Assembly. As i speak, Ekiti State has taken the giant stride as the bill has been passed by them. We will follow suit pretty soon ” Oyo Speaker said
According to him, the measure will establish a framework for the protection, treatment, and care of people who are struggling with mental illness or substance abuse.
The Speaker promised that the legislation will also reduce the stigma and marginalization that members of that group frequently experience, which results in violations of their human rights.
” There’s the need for Government to give priority attention to mental health in the public health policies, government initiatives, free healthcare services and prevention methods and efforts.
” In Nigeria, just like in any other growing nation, healthcare system generally is poorly managed. Not many people have access to basic health care. And it is the same story for mental health too. Access to care is inadequate and unaffordable, and it is most times limited to cities. The bill seeks to address all these identified problems and hiccups so that we can have a better care, treatment and protection for mental health patients ” Hon Ogundoyin said
