Nigerians urged to help indigent, abandoned psychiatric patients

The Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Prof. Monday Igwe, has urged Nigerians to help indigent and abandoned psychiatric patients to offset their medical bills and meet their daily needs.

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The MD who raised the alarm during the hospital’s 2021 Thanksgiving and Town Hall Meeting, also solicited philanthropic gestures to offset the patients’ medical bills and meet up their daily needs.

He noted that the current bills and welfare upkeep of the patients, especially the indigent and those abandoned, were currently weighing the hospital down financially, notwithstanding that at times staff assist from their personal pockets.

“We have some indigent patients, as well as those patients abandoned by their relatives who currently the hospital and its staff are forced to feed, clothe and buy drugs for.

“By our calling and the spirit of humanity in us, we cannot leave them to go out of the hospital care and premises as they will constitute danger to themselves, others and property.

“We are calling on good spirited Nigerians, especially philanthropists, groups and faith-based organizations to come to our rescue in this aspect, especially at this period of celebration.

“People should remember these indigent and abandoned patients at this special season of sharing,” he said.

The medical director appealed to the Enugu State Government, especially the governor’s wife, to kindly add psychiatric patients to the list of those she donates during Christmas.

Igwe said that the hospital was still faced with lots of challenges, chief among them, remained the difficulty associated with replacement of staff who had left service.

“Other challenges include high electric tariff and potable water as public taps do not reach the hospital from Enugu State Water Board.

“Inadequate hostel accommodation for student nurses and payment of outstanding arrears of promotion from 2018 to 2020, among others,” he said.

The medical director, however, said that the highest achievement of the hospital within the year was the restoration of peace and cordial working environment among management and staff.

“Other achievements included conversion of 120 staff with additional qualifications, annual celebration of World Mental Health Day and more staff training.

“Organization of mock professional examinations for all resident psychiatric doctors in the South-East and procurement of psychological instruments are the other achievements,” he added.

In his exhortation, Dr. Emeka Ude, an evangelist, implored the staff to be committed and punctual at the work.

Ude, who is also a medical practitioner with the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, said: “Your positive work and your due diligence in your work should make the difference and attract God’s blessings to the hospital.

“All we do have a reward. Remember that one day you will give an account of your stewardship on Judgment Day”.

The event featured open interaction in form of questions and answers between the management and staff on salient issues in the hospital.

MTO/Vanguard