A non-profit organization, the Sage and Enamel Foundation (SANDEF), has donated hospital beds and bedding to the mental health department of the State Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo, to enhance patient care and support the reintegration of individuals with mental illnesses into society.
Speaking at the State Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo on Friday, the Executive Director of SANDEF, Oluwafikayomi Adeyemi Benson, disclosed that the initiative is part of SANDEF’s efforts to provide support and care to individuals affected by mental health issues, with a focus on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The donated items include 10 hospital beds, 10 mattresses, 10 pillows, and 10 bedsheets.
According to the foundation’s Executive Director, the first phase involves subsidizing hospital bills for patients every week, noting that
In the second phase, SANDEF adopts patients and takes care of all their medical bills.
He said that the third phase entails picking mentally ill individuals off the streets, checking them into a mental health hospital, covering their medical expenses, ensuring they receive treatment, and eventually reintegrating them into society.
He commended the Osun State Government for permitting SANDEF to operate within the State Hospital, emphasising the need for increased governmental attention to mental health issues.
Benson eulogized Adeniyi Adediran, an Ede-born, US-based IT expert, as a co-sponsor of the donation, acknowledging his partnership with SANDEF in making the initiative possible.
He said, “Today’s donation allows the hospital to admit more patients, which brings us closer to realising the third phase of our programme.
“Everyone has some form of mental health challenge they are managing. It is a common misconception that only people on the streets suffer from mental illness. Our plea is for the government to prioritise mental health because the stories we encounter weekly are heartbreaking,” he added
However, the Chief Consultant Psychiatrist at the State Hospital, Asubiaro, Dr Dare Rachael Folasade, expressed her gratitude, commending SANDEF’s consistent support over the past year.
She noted that the new beds would significantly improve the comfort of long-term patients in the ward.
“I never anticipated this level of support. Apart from assistance with medication, this donation will benefit many patients for years to come. It is a gift we deeply appreciate.
“The impact of their support is evident. Our patients now return with stable minds, and there has been a significant reduction in relapse rates.” She said.
