Oyo reopens psychiatric unit at Adeoyo Hospital after months of closure

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State government has announced the reopening of the psychiatric unit at the Ring Road State Hospital, Adeoyo, after months of closure.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on Friday.

According to the statement, Dr. Akin Fagbemi, Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals’ Management Board, emphasized that the government would ensure that activities at the unit align with international best practices for psychiatric rehabilitation centers.

Dr. Fagbemi, while appealing to residents to regularly check their mental health status to prevent mental illnesses or depression, also encouraged the public to visit the hospital, as it is the only facility in the state with a psychiatric unit.

In his address, Dr. Shina Fakunle, the Consultant Psychiatrist at the Ring Road State Hospital, highlighted the importance of mental health and advised the youth in the state to avoid drug abuse and other vices, noting that most of the hospital’s patients are victims of drug abuse and societal issues.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Hospitals’ Management Board (OYSHMB) introduced new aprons for Apex Nurses and scrubs for other nurses in the state’s health sector to improve recognition. The initiative was described as the beginning of a new era for the secondary health care sector in the state.

Dr. Fagbemi commended Governor Engr. Oluseyi Makinde for his consistent efforts in the health sector, including the recruitment of health workers across various cadres, approval of uniform allowances for nurses, prompt salary payments, and the disbursement of a thirteen-month bonus to all state workers. He praised the governor for providing quality health care services to the people of Oyo State.

In her remarks, Dr. Anifat Ibraheem, the Permanent Secretary of the board, commended the state government’s unwavering support for the provision of basic health care services.