Psychiatrist calls for finalisation of mental health bill

Eba Kandovazu

2024-10-09

WINDHOEK, 09 OCT (NAMPA)-Acting Head of Windhoek central hospital psychiatric unit, Dr Lahija Koupu-Hamutenja (orange shirt). Photo by: Eba Kandovazu

WINDHOEK, 09 OCT (NAMPA) - On the eve of the commemoration of World Mental Health Day, local psychiatrist consultant Lahija Koupu-Hamunjela has expressed dissatisfaction at the government’s failure to prioritise mental health.
Koupu-Hamunjela, who is the Acting Head of Department at the Windhoek Central Hospital’s psychiatric unit, was speaking at the mental health commemoration event here on Wednesday, stressing the need to amend the Mental Health Act 18 of 1973, which she said is outdated. According to her the policy, which has been recommended for changes, has not been given attention by lawmakers in the National Assembly.
“I am actually very surprised and disappointed that no one from Parliament or even a high ranking government official came to attend this event,” Koupu-Hamunjela remarked.
Former health and social services minister Benhard Haufiku tabled the bill. At the time, his deputy Juliet Kavetuna also stressed that the Mental Health Act of 1973, is obsolete.
“Discuss the bill in Parliament. The law we have now dates back to 1973 and we are now in 2024. Mental health needs to be advocated for in Parliament and people need to know what it is and what it means to have mental illness,” Koupu-Hamunjela said.
She also highlighted the stigma surrounding mental diseases, adding that more awareness should be created.
World Mental Health Day is commemorated on 10 October. It raises awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilises efforts in support of mental health.
(NAMPA)
EB/AS

Education & Health

Ndama Junior Primary School classes still suspended

2024-10-09 14:14:57

ICT education summit kicks off at Otjiwarongo

2024-10-08 16:42:43

Women can enhance community policing efforts: Frederick

2024-10-08 10:25:02

Windhoek district hospital will happen: Shangula

2024-10-08 08:02:47

More than 25 000 Namibians rejected from scholarship schemes: NIPDB

2024-10-07 15:02:33

Health minister wants public health system strengthened

2024-10-07 12:18:41

APP to reintroduce specialiased Colleges of Education if elected into power

2024-10-06 15:27:51

HPCNA reduces nursing and midwifery intake numbers at local institutions

2024-10-06 10:49:04

Hunger and malnutrition contribute to school dropouts: Magerman

2024-10-05 12:02:19

Mbumba commemorates World Teachers' Day

2024-10-05 11:18:01

Shangula commissions 12-bed dialysis unit at Oshakati hospital

2024-10-05 10:44:31

Latest NAMPA photos

ONDANGWA, 07 October 2024 - Tuutileni Mika, the 49-year-old man who allegedly shot two managers at Henning Crusher, was remanded in custody. (Photo by: Maria David) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 07 October 2024 - Minister of Health and Social Services, Kalumbi Shangula speaking at the opening of the National Ministerial Health and Social Services Conference in Windhoek. (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

NAMPA

GOBABIS, 05 October 2024 - The Omaheke Region's Kalahari Constituency councillor, Ignatius Kariseb. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

WALVIS BAY, 05 October 2024 - Some of the 80 families who have been displaced after the devastating fire destroyed their homes at Otweya informal settlement in Walvis Bay. The fire also claimed a life of one man. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

WALVIS BAY, 05 October 2024 - Remains of what used to be home to over 80 families after the devastating fire destroyed their shacks at Otweya informal settlement in Walvis Bay. The fire also claimed a life of one man. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

WALVIS BAY, 05 October 2024 - Herman Fillipus, whose home is just a few metres from the burnt-down shacks, lives in a temporary shelter made of plastic and sacks lives in constant fear of losing his belongings to the constant shack fires experienced at Otweya Informal settlement. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

FRANSFONTEIN - Chief Charles /Uirab of the Swartbooi Traditional Authority. (Photo by: Dalene Kooper) NAMPA

NAMPA

OSHAKATI, 05 October 2024 - Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah speaking at the Swapo Party star rally at Oshakati. (Photo by: Maria David) NAMPA

NAMPA