The Federal Ministry of Health is set to draft mental health experts from the Neuro – psychiatric hospital, Kaduna to assist in the management of victims of emotional trauma in the North East.
The Minister of State, Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire made this known yesterday during his official visit to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) headquarters in Abuja.
In his speech, Dr. Ehanire said that his visit was part of his effort to consult with all agencies involved in emergency response and disaster management for collaboration to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure effective deployment of assets.
He maintained that his visit would afford Federal Ministry of Health the opportunity to interact with NEMA which he described as a major player in emergency response with the hope of identifying possible areas of collaboration.
The minister hinted that health Ministry would render counselling on emotional issues, collaborate with local government authorities, encourage secondary health care givers and work closely with NEMA in terms of funding health services.
Dr. Ehanire observed that there was need to create a Response mechanism in Nigeria for proper synergy between all actors in emergency response. He added that this would help in coordinating relevant Agencies and assist people get fastest response on emergency situations.
In his response, the Director General, NEMA, Alh. Mohammed Sani Sidi , said that the Minister’s visit was a clear demonstration of his commitment to succeed as a minister of the Federal Ministry of Health.
Commending the Minister for being the first Minister in this administration to visit NEMA, the DG assured that NEMA and Nigeria have the ability to handle all emergency situations if there was synergy.
The DG also commended the efforts of the Health ministry in collaborating with NEMA in the North East in terms of rehabilitation of victims of insurgency. He presented some publications of the Agency to the Minister with an assurance to take NEMA to greater heights in line with international best practice.
