Hundreds of psychiatrists are to be recruited by the health department in Kisumu County to help deal with increasing cases of mental illnesses.

The psychiatrists will diagnose, treat, and prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders and other like ailments. They will use neuro-modulation and psychotherapy to treat mental patients working with psychologists, nurses, and social workers.

According to the county CEC for Health nominee, Dr Gregory Ganda, they will evaluate, diagnose patients, and prescribe the right medication.

Health action plan

Ganda spoke at Kisumu’s Kibos maximum prison, where he led health staff, health civil societies, and rights groups to mark World Mental Health day.He disclosed that currently, the county was working on a new mental health action plan and policy that will guide them for five years.

The draft mental health policy seeks to, among other things, create a budget for training and hiring more staff, peer counselors, and capacity building.

He spoke as one of the health rights groups, Tinada Youth Organization leaders called on the county to fast-track the mental health policy.

 The group’s Executive Director Douglas Otieno said it was time to end the substantial imbalance between mental and physical health services.