Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have vowed to protect the rights of mentally ill individuals across the state.
This was sequel to the introduction of a bill to protect the rights of persons with mental illnesses.
According to reports on Monday that the bill, which was introduced to the assembly for the first time, is titled “Oyo State Mental Health Service Bill, 2022”.
It was jointly sponsored by the Speaker of the Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, and his Deputy, Muhammad Fadeyi.
Others are; the Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin, and Minority Leader, Asimiyu Alarape.
The bill seeks to provide for the protection, care and treatment of the mentally distressed persons in the state.
It also seeks to establish mental health facilities and medical social work departments and units in all primary, secondary and tertiary medical facilities in Oyo State as well as ensure that mentally ill persons have access to necessary facilities.
According to the lawmakers, the bill, when passed, will also guarantee the protection of persons suffering from mental disorder or illness and substance abuse in the state.
Ogundoyin, while speaking, explained that the bill will provide a legal framework for the protection, care and treatment for persons living with mental health challenges or substance abuse in the state.
He added that the bill would put an end to stigmatisation and marginalization of mentally disturbed persons.
“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”.