Ogio launches new mental health book

 By SONIA KENU

GOVERNOR-General Sir Michael Ogio last Friday launched a mental health treatment manual for clinical health workers.

Speaking in Port Moresby, Sir Michael referred to a World Health Organisation report that outlined worldwide mental problems.

He said the 2001 world report estimated that 450 million people suffered from mental or behavioural disorders from psychosocial problems related to alcohol and drug abuse. 

The book titled Management of Mental Disorders in Papua New Guinea was the result of a collaborative effort by local doctors and the mental health fraternity. 

“Many of them suffer silently, many suffer alone and many never receive treatment of any kind, and PNG is no exception,” Sir Michael said. 

“Mental health disorder is often traumatic and the effects are ever increasing, which persists in the fabric of our society.” 

Dr Monica Hagali said mental health should be a priority at a time when socioeconomic activities were prominent in the country and overseas.

“This book is the first to be written by Papua New Guineans,” she said.  

Dr Uma Ambi said the book was handy for all health workers and was ideal for people to understand what mental health was. 

“We tend to forget every now and then that our mind plays a very important role in our daily lives. 

“The book covers a range of health problems, reaching remote areas where there was no psychiatrist,” she said.