The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is intensifying efforts to integrate mental health services into general healthcare delivery across all health facilities in the country as part of measures to improve access to mental healthcare and ensure early intervention for patients.
According to the GHS, the initiative seeks to make mental health services an integral component of routine healthcare, enabling patients to receive support for mental health conditions at hospitals, clinics and community health centres nationwide.
In an interview, the Deputy Director in charge of Mental Health at the Ghana Health Service Dr. Ama Ampomah Boadu said the Service is investing in capacity building for healthcare workers to equip them with the skills required to identify, manage and respond to various mental health challenges.
She explained that training programmes are being rolled out to ensure that health professionals at every level of the healthcare system can provide basic mental health support and make appropriate referrals when specialised care is required.
“We are building the capacity of health workers so that every hospital and health facility in the country is able to respond effectively to mental health challenges and provide quality care to patients,” she stated.
The move forms part of broader efforts to reduce the treatment gap in mental healthcare, combat stigma and improve public understanding of mental health issues.
Health experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that integrating mental health into primary healthcare will promote early detection and treatment, particularly in communities where access to specialised mental health services remains limited.
The Ghana Health Service believes the strategy will contribute significantly to achieving universal health coverage by ensuring that mental wellbeing receives the same level of attention as physical health across the country’s healthcare system.
