Mental Health: NAWOJ Partners UNIOSUNTH, Lauds CMD Proactiveness On Improved Health Services
The state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ has extended its partnership to UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital on Mental health awareness and services to the women and girls in Osun.
Speaking at the courtesy visit paid to the Chief Medical Director, UNIOSUNTH, Dr Babatunde Adeola Afolabi, the Osun NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Abisola Ariwodola stated that with the association being the voice of women, children, PWDs and vulnerable in the state, she emphasised that there is need for intervention in the mental health of the target beneficiaries.
She added that Mental Health is crucial for overall health, and impacts how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices, with the influence of genetics, environment, lifestyle and the economy factor, stating that Osun women, female youths and even children are now falling victim of mental health, a disease which has gripped professional and non-professional women alike, particularly on emotional and psychological wellbeing, and conditions that also affects females in tertiary institutions, mothers having postpartum depression and women facing economic challenges.
Ariwodola reiterating that health is wealth, and no doubt the state of economy is affecting women and children, alongside other health issues, she opined that “we seriously need intervention in this regard, to reduce the stigmatisation around the victims and survivors, as well as gain access to mental health services.”
The Osun state NAWOJ Chairperson who described UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital (UTH) as a world-class medical care institution with its cutting-edge research to ensure the best outcomes for patients, lauded the health service delivery to the good people of Osun state.
According to her, “We applaud the leadership of the Chief Medical Director, CMD Dr Babatunde Adeola Afolabi and his transformation agenda being run with experienced professional, who are working tirelessly to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care, making UNIOSUNTH a trusted healthcare provider in the region.
The association urged the CMD, Dr Babatunde Afolabi to keep up the good work on improved Healthcare Service Delivery, adding that his infrastructural landmark achievement which is aiding development is top notch and being noted.
NAWOJ also lauded the inclusive management of UNIOSUNTH, where Dr Afolabi gave equal platform for the female staff in the institution to function, have a voice and thrive without bias or stigmatisation as they discharge their duties.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director UNIOSUNTH, Dr Babatunde Adeola Afolabi commended Osun NAWOJ for identifying the area of need for their gender and for speaking to the issue.
Accepting the partnership which he said is in line with the objective of the health institution in saving lives, he lauded women for being strong in nature, saying the consistency of the success story of UNIOSUNTH was based on the action plan designed at the onset of his resumption into office, coupled with good orientation given to the management and staff by professionals.
Dr Afolabi stated that since he came on board, individuals and organisations have donated to the hospital, adding that 2012/2013 staff were regularised and they gave back in appreciation to the health institution by giving N6-million back to the system which they used in constructing a mother and child pavilion as waiting shed for about 200 parents and guardians at the labour ward area.
Pointing out there’s transformation in UNIOSUNTH, he listed the rebranded sections of the health institution to include the Theater, ICU, Radiology, Blood bank, Record archive, CU, A and E, adding that the Oxygen plant is also coming up, he also stated that we have patients testifying to the improved services of the hospital which has also led patronage to increase in IGR.
Though there’s still challenges of accreditation, CT-Scan MRI, and land extension I can assure you that “we have best of hands of medical personnel, always available to perform, development partners have approached us and steps are in place for expansion.”
Dr Afolabi reaffirmed the vision of UNIOSUNTH, adding that quality health delivery by the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke is a priority, part of his strategic action plan for Osun residents, he also lauded the swiftness of the governors’ response on health issues, adding that “we will support NAWOJ mission on mental health, paediatric service delivery, he concluded.”
UNIOSUNTH management at the courtesy visit include, Deputy Director CMARK, CAC Director and Idowu, alongside Nawojians such as Former Zonal Secretary, Comrade Funmi Adekoya-Ojo, the state secretary Oluwaranti Ojewumi, Treasurer Temitope Olayiwola, Assistant Secretary Anuoluwapo Odedeji, Sadiat Adeleke, Titilola Olaniyan and Ifeoluwa Adesanya.