Each Mental Patient Gobbles Up ?5m Annually

Mental healthcare, one aspect of health delivery in Ghana that is openly trumpeted to be free for all is not free afterall. In fact, it is so expensive that for each mental patient admitted into a mental hospital today, it costs over ?5 million per annum to maintain him, an indication that it may be the most expensive healthcare. The only difference is that in this case it is government that bears the brunt.

This staggering figure, which runs into tens of billions of cedis each year to keep the three mental hospitals in the country running was released by Dr. Samuel K. Allotey, Specialist-In-Charge of the Pantang Hospital, during the hospital's Annual Awards and Fund Raising ceremony held at the premises last Wednesday.

The amount, according to the doctor, represents average yearly central government expenditure per head, taking into account feeding, drug supply, staff salaries, maintenance of building and equipment, water, electricity and telephone bills, apart from other contingency costs.

Surprisingly, the amount; large as it may sound, is woefully inadequate, going by the rate at which inmate number continues to rise by the day. The authorities have, therefore, resorted to appeal for funds from individuals and organisations to help government in providing some of the necessary amenities.

Dr. Allotey said since its premature commissioning in 1975, Pantang Hospital, which also provides primary healthcare and other services, have, up to date, taken care of over 300,000 patients; with the Out-Patient Department (OPD) handling over 20,000 cases this year alone.

The chief psychiatrist also hinted that the number of HIV/AIDS patients, especially women, that the hospital receives seems to double each year. Even though he did not give any figures the trend sounded alarming to the audience. He was, however, appreciative to government for doing its best to increase funding and drug supply.

Later in a keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Moses Dani Baah, acknowledged the hospital's problems, particularly in the areas of water, staff accommodation and power, and expressed optimism that the hospital would see more government support as donor funding continues to rise.

The minister lauded the authorities for running smoothly and maintaining a clean environment even in the face of its mounting problems.

Launching the appeal, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, who was the Guest of Honour, said the success of a nation is not only measured by individual wealths but also by its ability to help the less fortunate in society.

Dr. Apraku, therefore, called on all to take advantage of the yuletide to demonstrate their love for mankind. On his part, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Chief Executive, Solomon Offei Darko, who chaired the function, pledged to grade the road that leads to the hospital to make it more motorable, even though the area is not in the Accra metropolis.

Notable among the donors was the Ghana International School which donated four Jumbo size Polytanks. The ceremony ended with the crowning of a 'Mr. & Miss Pantang 2002' among the patients.