By Eghosa Emily
The Edo State Government through the Ministry of Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs has organized training for operators of Herbal Homes in the State to enable them render better services to patients in their facilities.
The training which took place in the conference room of the ministry was attended by over 12 herbal homeowners across the State.
Welcoming the Directors of the herbal homes, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifueko Alufokhai, represented by the Director of Rehabilitation Services, Mr Sylvester Okeguale, commended them for their commitment and uprightness.
He prayed for the continuous success and growth of their homes while revealing that there would be better packages for herbal homeowners going forward. He stressed on the need for the various Herbal Home Directors to train and mentor capable hands who would take over from them in the future.
Mr Sylvester who delivered a lecture on the topic: ‘Depression’, explained that depression as a common health challenge involves a low mood and lack of interest in daily activities.
He also said that studies have shown that depression is twice as much prevalent in women than men. He listed the types of depression as; bipolar, major depression and persistent depression.
He pointed out that some common causes of depression include unfavourable events, daily life challenges and negative thoughts. He went further to give some tips on how to overcome depression which includes relaxation, medications and physical exercises amongst others.
He advised the Herbal Home Operators to look out for signs of depression not only in their inmates but amongst themselves and their family members.
Similarly, the resource person for the event, Dr Nosakhare Idemudia, of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), in his introduction commended the State government for creating the avenue for people to learn and improve themselves. He also encouraged the participants to take advantage of the training by keeping an open mind to learn.
Dr Nosakhare emphasized that technology has improved the health sector immensely by providing proper diagnosis and treatment. He cited the partnership of the State Government with ANPA (Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas) to improve the services of PHCs’ (Primary Health Care) through telemedicine.
He also spoke on the need for herbal homes to consider measurement and evaluation in administering herbs to their patients. He also advised that special cases can be referred either to orthodox clinics or amongst other traditional homes.
In his closing remark, Dr Jude Omon Oleabhiele, who is also the Vice President, Association of Lunatic Healers, Edo State, applauded the Ministry for the lecture series.
