From our news desk, Benin
The Governor Monday Okpebholo led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of Edo State, has reassured of its commitment to the protection of the rights, and dignity of vulnerable persons in the State.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah on behalf of the Government, gave the reassurance during an inspection tour of traditional medicine centres for mentally challenged persons, in Ewohimi, Esan-South-East Local Government Area.
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The tour was to evaluate the living conditions and welfare of patients.
The director of media in the Ministry, Daisy Osunde made the disclosure in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin.
While speaking, Mrs. Abdallah stressed the importance of humane treatment, proper accommodation, and a safe, structured rehabilitation environment for persons receiving care, Daisy said.
The first step towards this the Commissioner reportedly noted; begins with the removal of mentally challenged individuals from the streets.
As She emphasized that rehabilitation facilities must be clean, conducive, adequately staffed, and properly managed to support their holistic recovery.
Further, She stated that the environment in which mentally challenged persons are housed plays a crucial role in their healing process, and successful reintegration into the society.
According to Osunde, the Commissioner therefore called on operators of the centres to ensure their facilities meet acceptable standards.
Which She outlined to include; building renovations where necessary, improved sanitation, sufficient living space, and adequate caregivers to cater to patients effectively.
Mentally challenged persons deserve compassion, dignity, and rehabilitation processes must align with established best practices, Mrs. Abdallah was quoted to have emphasized.
Consequently, the Ministry will assess facilities thoroughly before approving the relocation or admission of patients, She added.
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She was said to have also assured that periodic inspections would continue; warning that the Government would not hesitate to take appropriate action where standards fall short.
Responding, proprietors; Dr. Ahialenkpen Abegbe Herbal Healing Home, Dr. Innocent Enobaikhale Herbal Healing Home, and Dr. Sylvester Eguarhen Herbal Healing Home appreciated the Commissioner for personally visiting their facilities.
They acknowledged the observations and recommendations provided during the inspection, assuring the Commissioner that they would be taken seriously, and acted upon.
The proprietors further reaffirmed their commitments to collaborating with the Government to standardize operations across their centres.
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