By Kemi Olatunde
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Head of Department of Mental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Dr. Kolawole Mosaku has called on  government to tackle mental depression through the  reduction of health inequalities.

He made the call while speaking during the 5th Annual  General Meeting and Scientific Conference of Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria(MDCAN) Ondo State Hospitals’ Chapter(ODSGH) last Friday in Akure.

Mosaku, who was represented by Dr Olukayode Aloba, of the Department of Mental Health of the university, added that social security and protections should be guaranted.

According to him,  youth employment must be cardinal target of government as well control of alcohol.

He added that psychiatric care services must be available for easy access and welfare facilities for citizens.

Earlier, the Acting Chairman of MDCAN ODSGH, Dr Ishaq Ojodu, said the objective of the conference’s theme was to sensitise public about the rising trend of mental disorders pertaining to Nigerian economy.

” We want people to know that it  is worst situation but people can develop coping mechanism to deal with depression.

They dont need to go to the extreme and use drugs that can damage their mental capabilities permanently but engage in social activities.

“We want families to involve in supporting system which has broken down in Nigeria and we also want to sensitise the government in its roles to provide health insurance that will afford quality health services,” he said.

Speaking earlier at the conference which had its theme as “Mental Health Disorders in a Depressed Economy”, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro described the provision of affordable healthcare services to the people as one of the ways to tackle mental depression.

He recalled that the state government recently employed additional 15 medical consultants to the state medical team for betterment of Ondo State healthy soundness, promising that the present government would not relent in bringing  more improvement to the health sector.

He said that the state government was aiming at ensuring that qualitative healthcare delivery was available to its citizens at affordable fees.

According to him, the state government’s efforts are also geared towards prompt payment of workers’ salaries to alleviate suffering of people.

He added that a lot of empowerment programmes are ongoing to get people engaged in meaningful economic activities.

However, the Commissioner urged  medical personnel to be up and doing in discharging their duties for the sake of humanity and assured  that the government would continue to provide conducive environment for them.

Also speaking, Alade-Okun of Alade Idanre, Oba Olusegun Akinbola, applauded medical personnel for their roles in ensuring sound health, which he said could bring sound economy and however urged them to do more for nation’s survival.