Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

NURSES TURN AWAY MENTAL PATIENT

By Observer Reporter | 2018-12-14

UNCARING nurses at Hlatikulu Government Hospital are said to have turned back a patient because of his mental condition despite having been involved in a car accident while travelling with police officers.

Sources say this took place after the mentally challenged patient was involved in an accident with two police officers while in the police van.

Sources say shortly after the accident the mental patient and the two policemen were taken to Hlathikulu Government Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, nurses only attended to the police officers and turned away the patient solely because of him being mentally ill.

“They only treated the policemen and told the suspect to go to the National Psychiatric Referral Hospital which is in Manzini, 65 kilometres away,” said the source.

According to the source, the nurses did not bother to even perform on him the preliminary tests such as taking blood pressure and temperature. They only accorded this to one of the ‘decently’ dressed officers.

“It would have been better if they at least conducted some preliminary examinations or first aid. What if he had internal injuries? They simply told him to stay away and go to the hospital for the likes of him, the psychiatric centre,” said the source.

The source added that even if he was mentally challenged he had the right to basic health care. Apparently, according to another source the accident occurred when the vehicle lost its breaks along the steep KaPhunga hill, south east of Hlathikulu hamlet. “Police officers were driving with a suspect at the back of the vehicle when the accident happened. He actually lost control of the car and because of the rains these day, causing the road to be slippery,” said the source.

After the accident, the police officers were taken to Hlatikulu hospital they were treated and discharged the same day. However the suspect was not treated because he was mentally challenged. He was told he could only be assisted at psychiatric centre in Manzini. A female staffer at Hlatikulu Government Hospital administration simply dismissed the claims of a mentally ill patient being turned away, saying as a hospital they give equal treatment to everyone. She said they could not send back a person who was involved in a car accident no matter how minor it was.

Chief Police Information and Commu-nications Officer Superintended Phindile Vilakati confirmed that two police officers were involved in an accident on Tuesday after the car lost control.

Strength

Meanwhile, Director of Health Dr Vusi Magagula preferred to comment only after he had established the name of the psychiatric patient. However, we would not provide the name in order to prevent exposure of sources. Furthermore we established that the police were to take the patient to the psychiatric centre on the strength of the courts, they had to take him away unchecked for any possible injuries.

“Bavele batsi uyahlanya lo akaye etinhlanyeni.” (that one’s crazy he must just go to the looney home).

According to the non governmental organisation Duduza, mental health is an important global discussion, with mental disorders making up five of the 10 leading causes of disability globally.

Mental illness is a topic seldom discussed in the Swazi household. A culture of ‘tibi tendlu’ (private family matters) prevails, which means that families will often not discuss certain taboo topics, like mental illness, as it could cause their family to be viewed in a negative light and stigmatised by the local community.

There is very little information available on the state of mental health issues in Eswatini, including the lack of an official mental health policy.

Duduza is a network of different health professionals that work together. They have varying experience and expertise that combine to offer an eclectic mix of skills and proficiency. They are an interesting mix of academics, practitioners and students who work together to promote health and wellbeing in Eswatini.

The network is formed of Pernille Hansen, Lindiwe Dlamini, Nomvula Mavuso, Aissa Huysmans, Dr Delouis Terlonge, Mohini Atul Nagindas, Karin Claesson, Lyla Berman, Wendy Ager, Ravelle Smoor-Kollöffel, Sifiso Shabangu and Zenzi Huysmans.

Pernille Hansen Psychologist and Director at Duduza said “I cannot comment on this without knowing more details.” We promised to provide details on publication.

Duduza says very little or no funding is available to support both the mental health and wellbeing of the Swazi population as well as to conduct empirical research into the mental health issues specific to this nation. Between 76 per cent and 85 per cent of people with mental disorders receive no treatment in low and middle income countries like Eswatini, compared to 35-40 per cent of those in developed countries.

There is only one psychiatrist available in the public health system to serve the entire country, and only one psychiatric hospital where locals can seek support. Due to these limited resources, many health workers lack basic knowledge on the recognition and treatment of mental health issues. There is a great need to improve awareness and support for mental health in Eswatini in culturally appropriate ways to support people experiencing grief, loss, depression, anxiety, financial stress, stigma and ill health.

In particular, coordinated action should integrate mental health into health services, education, social services, and economic strengthening program-mes.

share story