Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa Advocates for Increased Investment in Mental Health
πππ’π«π¨ππ’, πππ§π²π β ππππ‘ πππ©πππ¦πππ« ππππ - Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah M. Barasa has called for significant investment in mental health to address the increasing mental health burden in Kenya.Β
Emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to mental health prevention, care, and treatment, Dr. Barasa highlighted mental health as a central focus under the government's universal health agenda and a key priority for the Ministry of Health.Β
During an impromptu visit to Mathari Teaching and Referral HospitalΒ , Dr. Barasa assessed service delivery and engaged with patients, staff, and hospital management. She noted the critical gap in access to mental health services, with only 19 counties currently having mental health facilities.Β
To address this, Dr. Barasa committed to developing policies to expand mental health treatment and care nationwide. Dr. Julius Ogato, CEO of Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital, urged for increased funding for mental health, which currently constitutes just 0.04% of the total health budget.Β
He highlighted the absence of a functional referral system and called for increased training of mental health specialists to enhance the availability of qualified professionals. Dr. Ogato also emphasized the need for public sensitization to reduce stigma and improve health-seeking behavior regarding mental health issues.Β
Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital, the largest mental health facility in Kenya and East Africa, has a bed capacity of 800 and employs 350 healthcare workers. It is one of six national referral hospitals under the Ministry of Health, playing a crucial role in the countryβs mental health care system.