Association of Nigeria psychiatrist have urged it’s members to be on red alert to the mental health needs of Nigerians, particularly victims of terrorism.

The medical expert at the end of it’s 48th Annual General Conference, AGM, and Scientific held in Jos at the weekend said the economic recession experienced by most Nigerians this year has devastatig effect on the psychic of citizens.

A communique signed by the Local Organisation Committee, of the conference, Dr. Oviedo, IT, Dr. Exeter B., Secretary General of PAN, Dr. Uteh B.E.A and Dr. Inogbo C F respectively decried the absence of mental health experts at the primary and secondary health institutions.

It called on goernment at all level to involve it’s members in the rehabilitation of victims of violence and terrorism, most of which are under trauma.

The medical annual conference of psychiatrists was targed “Mental Health in Social And Economic Crises: Impact on Well-being and Psychiatry Care ” was divided into three sub themes of Mental Health and Economic Development, Terrorism and Mental Health implications and Substance Abuse in Female: A Growing Epidemic.

It tasked government to encourage psychiatrist to undergo research works with a view to updating thier knowledge in their fields of specialisation.

It noted that “role of psychiatrist spans beyond just treating the mentality I’ll to addressing psychological distress post trauma in the society at large ”

This year’s conference was flagged off with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) annual faculty lecture delivered by Professor Olusegun Bayiewu and was titled “positive ageing in Nigeria: the burden of inadequacies and inequalities in mental health care”

The Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, Professor Banwat was represented at the event by Professor Patricia Wade and governor Simon Lalong represented by the state commissioner of health, Dr. Kamshak Hindenburg as well as the member representing His South and Jos East federal constituency, Edward Pwajok amongst others.

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