Experts Task Stakeholders On National Mental Health Law Implementation 

Healthcare experts have called on stakeholders in the sector to ensure the implementation of the newly signed Mental Health Law.
They made the call in separate interviews with The Tide source, Wednesday, in Lagos.
A consultant neuropsychiatrist, Dr Maymunah Kadiri, said the implementation of the new law would enhance the country’s wellness.
The source recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law the Mental Health Bill harmonised by the National Assembly in 2021.
The signing which seems to be a parting gift to Nigerians from the president is the first Mental Health Act/Law post independence and will also replace the Lunacy Act of 1958.
Kadiri, also the Medical Director, Pinnacle Medical Services Ltd., said that stakeholders in the health industry must ensure the implementation and domestication of the law in all the states of the federation.
According to her, there is a need for further advocacy, sensitisation and interpretation about the law for more understanding by the health institutions, patients and the general public.
She said: “One thing is to sign the Mental Health Bill into law; which has been done by President Muhammadu Buhari, and we thank God for that.
“But the major thing is the implementation and enforcement of the law.
“In Nigeria, we don’t lack laws, what we lack is implementation; we have had series of laws, but their implementation/execution remained the challenge.
“For the new National Mental Health Law; its implementation is going to take time because it will require a lot of advocacy, education and sensitisation to create room for proper interpretation and understanding of provisions of the law.
“A lot has to be done and it is going to be a journey. So, it is our duty as stakeholders to walk the talk and do everything possible to ensure implementation and domestication of the law across all states of the country.”