30 Jul 2020

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is in the process of establishing the Mental Health Board, which will guard against exploitation of mentally ill persons. Principal health officer, Mr Patrick Zibochwa told the Gaborone City Council (GCC) full council meeting that once operational, the Mental Health Board would also set up the mental health tribunal, which would also have the appeals procedure.

He said council members played a vital role in protecting the mentally ill patient since they were managing the communities.

He said the board would uphold the rights and duties with respect to persons with mental illness,  including the respect of the dignity and privacy of the person with mental illness.

Mr Zibochwa said the board would include the chairperson, who shall be a High Court Judge, a psychiatric, a representative from Attorney General’s Chambers, a representative from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and two civil society representatives with an interest in mental health.

He lamented that the mentally ill persons had the right to information and access to their medical records, adding that the tribunal would protect the said rights. “The mental health board, through the national and local tribunal, would promote standards of practice and efficiency of mental healthcare services,” he said.

Furthermore, he elaborated that caregivers and families had the right to information, treatment and care for their patients.

In his response, deputy mayor, Mr Lotty Manyepeza applauded the idea, saying  the Mental Health Board would protect the interests and rights of mentally ill patients.

Mr Manyepeza also urged the Ministry of Health and Wellness to continue working with the council health committee on health issues that are experienced in lobbying for issues surrounding mental health. ENDS