Rukunyu District Hospital in Kamwenge District has recorded more than 200 mental health cases since the beginning of this year, amid a shortage of specialised staff and the absence of a dedicated mental health unit.
The hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr Ivan Mujuni, said the cases have been linked to factors including excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, stress, poor parenting and corporal punishment.
He added that some mental health conditions are also hereditary.
However, Dr Mujuni said the hospital lacks adequate staff to manage the growing number of patients, with only three assistant nursing officers currently handling mental health cases.
“The hospital does not have a specialised mental health unit, so some patients have to share general wards with other patients,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Dr Mujuni said there has been an increase in the number of people seeking medical care for mental health conditions.
He said this marks a shift from the past when many people with mental health problems were taken to traditional healers in villages.
Dr Mujuni encouraged the public to seek medical attention early, saying some mental health conditions can be prevented or better managed through early detection, counselling and treatment.
He also cautioned against excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs, which he said can contribute to mental health problems.
Dr Mujuni said the hospital has medicines for managing mental health conditions and urged patients and their families to seek treatment instead of delaying care.
