The Periscope reporter
The Federal Medical Centre FMC Abuja commended for taking the lead by signing a memorandum of understanding with Synapse Service Nigeria limited to run a public private partnership for the provision of standard mental healthcare services to the public.
The information and Media Relations Officer of the health facility, Mr Kayode Olomofe revealed that “the great need of the hour is for positive, constructive, dynamic, creative and effective leadership which we have found in our seasoned Medical Director, Prof. Ahmed Saad.
“On 11 May 2020, the M.D of Federal Medical Centre, Abuja signed a Memorandun of Understanding in the presence of the CMAC, Dr. Ezechila and Head of Administration, Mr. Sani Ibrahim with Synapse Services Nigeria Limited on the basis of establishing a Public Private Partnership for effective and efficient provision of high quality mental health care services to the public.
“The Federal Medical Centre Abuja is open for full comprehensive mental health services such as general psychiatric services, addiction, sleep disorder, child & adolescents mental health services, ADHD and general psychological disorders.”
Explaining the pact, the MD FMC Jsbi, Abuja Prof Saad Ahmed said, “FMC Abuja is one of the medical centres that actually give quality healthcare service to Nigerians.
“We’ve actually gone into partnership with Synapse Services Limited, being the largest consortium that provides mental health services in West Africa.
“The range of services that will be given is comprehensive psychiatric services. We have areas of addiction sleep disorders adolescent mental health and so many others.
“It will also look into areas of counseling particularly, people with HIV/AIDS and all that.
“Presently, we’re in the era of Covid-19, which also comes with a lot of psychological imbalances that we hope to give our best to see that Nigerians benefit.”
Mr. Meshak Sharks Idehen, a veteran journalist based in the US who has interest in the advancement of healthcare delivery services in Nigeria, while commending the management of FMC Abuja for the initiative said, “this is one health and wellness initiative long overdue.
“That the plan has the support of some FMCs makes it the more worthwhile.
“Mental illness and related medical challenges taking its toll; not only on the people, but also on leaders, the economy and even governance, which makes us all poorer for it.”
Usman Umar, a resident of Abuja said “the initiative is a welcome development. Most people have one psychiatric issue or the other. We tend to think that Psychiatrist attend only to mad people by not considering a wide range of psychological problems. With this initiative, a lot of health problems and family issues will be solved.
“However, FMC Jabi Abuja should have to embark on aggressive public awareness using the media by means of inviting people to avail themselves to this mental healthcare services.”
For enquiries, contact 09048375743.