State urged to probe patients escape from Mathari

The government should investigate the circumstances that led to the Sunday's escape of mentally ill patients from Mathari Hospital, Nairobi, a lobby group has demanded. Read (Patients escape from Mathari hospital)

The International Institute for Legislative Affairs (ILA) CEO Vincent Kimosop warned that Sunday’s events was an indication of a failing system in the mental health sector and urged the government to boost funding for the care of mentally ill patients.

“If such can happen in a national referral centre which serves 40 million Kenyans, what is happening in other centres?” he posed. “The government should give this sector the priority it deserves.”

On Sunday, 75 patients escaped from Mathari hospital's male Ward Nine. By Tuesday, some of them returned to the centre voluntarily while others were brought back by relatives.

“The fact that the patients escape is a sign that there is something wrong at the institution,” Mr Kimosop said.

Following the incident, ILA visited the hospital and reported that some patients explained that they escaped because the medicine that was being dispensed to them was not working and they wanted their rights of expression respected.

Mr Kimosop said the action was an indication that there is need to ensure that the hospital environment is conducive and positively contributes to their recovery.

He said the Jubilee government, which has expressed its commitment to improving health services during its reign, should lay focus on mental health.

“They should also have plans for devolution of mental health services so that we can move from Mathari to other hospitals in all counties so that we have an integrated approach with other health services,” the CEO said.

Some of the challenges surrounding delivery of good mental health services in the country are: stigma on the patients and their families, gross underfunding of the sector and low number of doctors and specialists.

According to Mr Kimosop, there are only 79 psychiatrists in the country, most of who are based in Nairobi.

Other than increasing the number of doctors serving at the hospital, he said the government should see to it that it is rebuilt to meet the needs of its patients.

“This is the main mental health hospital in the country so it has to be able to cater for the high number of patients who visit it,” the campaigner said.

Also, he challenged the government to prove its commitment by agitating for mental health care policies and more so make funds available to improve services in this area.

“The legislation currently operational – the Mental Health Care Act of 1989 is being overtaken by events, international conventions and treaties to which Kenya is a signatory. It urgently needs to be updated,” Mr Kimosop said.

He added that funding for health – particularly mental health – has been negligible over the years and it is critical that adequate funds are set aside to enhance medication, research and other required resources.