Limpho Sello
KING Letsie III has called on Basotho to safeguard the rights and dignity of people suffering from mental illness to ensure healthy lives for all.
His Majesty made the remarks on Friday during joint commemorations of Mohlomi Psychiatric Hospital’s 50-year anniversary and World Mental Health Day in Maseru. Among the dignitaries present was Health Minister Dr ‘Molotsi Monyamane, Education and Training Minister Dr Mahali Phamotse as well as Law and Constitutional Affairs Minister Motlalentoa Letsosa.
World Mental Health Day commemorations were supposed to be held on 10 October 2015, but were deferred to Friday to coincide with the Mohlomi’ 50th anniversary celebrations. This year’s World Mental Health Day theme was ‘Dignity in Mental Health’.
In his address, King Letsie III said Friday’s celebrations marked half a century of catering for the needs of mentally ill patients.
“For 50 years, this hospital has been providing various services to mental health patients and this is worthy of commendation,” His Majesty said.
“We should bear in mind that this is the only hospital in Lesotho that serves mental illness patients, since district hospitals only admit patients temporarily before they are transferred to this hospital.”
King Letsie III said before the hospital was established in 1965, patients were being kept at Mohale’s Hoek Prison.
“During those times, the treatment of mental patients was horrible and their human rights were being violated,” he said.
“But through the guidance and influence of the late Dr Victor Raseabane Ntšekhe, who was the first Mosotho psychiatrist, the hospital was established. We thank him for his vision.
“Today, the hospital has developed to cater for senior citizens and a Psychiatric Forensic Unit which admits patients referred here by the courts of law.”
His Majesty also implored Basotho to protect people with mental illness from discrimination.
“The World Health Organisation has highlighted the fact that there is no health without mental health. I appeal to you today to respect people with mental illness and desist from humiliating or calling them names,” the King said.
During the ceremony, awards were handed out to individuals who served the hospital with excellence, as well as those who were successfully rehabilitated.