MENTAL health is an integral part of the Sustainable Development Goals #3(SDG #3). Reducing mental health problems and suffering is important in itself. In addition, good mental health is related to the ability to reach the SDGs, as the very definition of mental health reflects.

And, as Guyana works towards achieving its goals, the Ministry of Public Health continues to forge ahead with the implementation of the Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020, which plays an integral part in this country’s National Health Strategy — Health Vision 2020.

Cognisant of this, the Regional Health Administration of Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) is moving against all odds to establish a mental health and physiotherapy unit at the Leonora Comprehensive and Diagnostic Treatment Centre (LC&DTC).

Health Administrator at the Region, Ms. Kathlene Armstrong, told the Guyana Chronicle that the need for a mental health unit arose after it was observed that there are several mental health issues coming out of the (LC&DTC) catchment area which is the communities of Leonora, Stewartville and Uitvlugt.

“We have found that quite a number of the patients who visit the hospital to be attended by general practitioners are being sent to the West Demerara Hospital (WDH) for mental health evaluation. We have at least five doctors at WDH who are trained in mental health and at least two can be sent to Leonora to help take off the heavy patient load there,” she said.

At the Leonora facility, apart from having to deal with accidents and the occasional suicide, there is a chronic disease clinic. And, according to the senior regional health official, in 2018 it was decided to take the hospital to the people. To this end, several outreaches have been conducted at schools in the catchment area and farming areas such as Hague and Hubu backdams. Pep talks were also held with parents attending Parent Teacher’s Association (PTA) meetings.

At those visits, the doctors educated those present on the first things to do if having a heart attack, or if someone is bitten by a snake, among other home tips that residents can use in case of an emergency and until medical attention can be given.

Meanwhile, at the helm of the state-of-the-art facility is Mr. Kevin Reddy, Assistant Hospital Administrator.