By: Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: Dr. Moses Ziah, Director for Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, has disclosed that the government of Liberia has procured a 50-acre plot of land for construction of a 350-bedroom psychiatric hospital.
The move is aimed improving the country’s mental health services, he said.
The measure is part of the government’s commitment to tackling mental, neurological, and substance use disorders across Liberia.
Currently, Liberia has only one psychiatric hospital, which Dr. Ziah describes as inadequate, with limited space to accommodate the growing number of patients.
“Because of this, many necessary services are not being provided,” he said.
“One of the goals of this government is to improve mental health and substance abuse interventions,” the Director asserted.
“Remember, the President declared mental health as national health emergency and he constituted a committee, which Ministry of Health is serving as Chair. Therefore, we are committed to ensure that the President’s agenda is successful for the good of the Liberian people,” he told The Independent newspaper in an exclusive in Congo Town on yesterday, October 21, 2024.
The new psychiatric facility is envisioned as a comprehensive referral hospital that will cater to mental health, neurological disorders, and substance abuse rehabilitation.
It will have multiple departments, including rehabilitation services for substance abuse patients, as well as sections dedicated to different age groups, such as children, adolescents, and the elderly.
“We have already acquired the land and are currently waiting for the groundbreaking ceremony,” Dr. Ziah revealed.
He expressed optimism that the initial stages of construction would begin within the next few weeks or months, depending on the finalization of funding.
Initial funding for the project has been allocated in the national budget for the current fiscal year, and the Ministry plans to continue advocating for more resources in future budgets, according to Dr. Ziah.
Although the project is ambitious, the Ministry is aiming for completion within two to three years, subject to available funding.
Once operational, the hospital will be expanded in phases, with different annexes being added over time to address a broader range of mental health and neurological needs, he added.
Dr. Ziah also pointed out the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to build human capacity in mental healthcare, improve clinical services, and invest in infrastructure.
He credited the Ministry’s leadership, particularly Health Minister, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, for its dedication to advancing mental healthcare in the country.
“We are very glad that we have this level of support from the national government,” he said.
He added that further progress is expected in the coming years as Liberia strengthens its response to mental health challenges.
In January, Joseph Nyuma Boakai announced series of critical measures aimed at combating the plague of substance abuse and drug addiction in Liberia.
President Boakai declared the proliferation of drugs and substance abuse as a “National Health Emergency” and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to swiftly and decisively address the problem.
Delivering his Annual Message, barely a week after assuming office, President Boakai said, the drug epidemic, especially the use of “KUSH”, which has affected dozens of young Liberians poses existential threat to their future on one hand and the country on the other.