Oyo State Enhances Access to Affordable Mental Healthcare

The Oyo State government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing access to quality and affordable mental healthcare. This initiative aims to identify underserved communities and strengthen mental health services across the state's 33 local government areas.

Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the commissioner for Health, announced these plans during the 2026 World Mental Health Day commemoration held in Ibadan. The government is working to decentralize mental healthcare delivery, ensuring residents can access appropriate treatment without long travel distances to major health facilities.

A significant milestone in this effort is the recent commencement of psychiatric clinic services at the General Hospital in Saki, aimed at serving underserved communities. The theme for this year's commemoration, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” emphasizes the importance of involving individuals who have experienced mental health conditions in the development of supportive policies and services.

The state government plans to collaborate with the Hospitals Management Board, the Primary Health Care Board, and other stakeholders to assess mental health service availability and develop phased interventions.