HEALTH

The Mental Health Authority of Ghana has designated May as “Purple Month,” dedicated to mental health awareness. This initiative places Ghana in line with other countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, which also observe May for similar purposes.

Prof. Pinaman Appau, CEO of the Mental Health Authority, emphasized the need for extended awareness beyond the traditional World Mental Health Day observed on October 10th. “A single day is not enough to address the complex issues surrounding mental health. By expanding our focus to the entire month, we can make a more substantial impact,” said Prof. Appau. Previously, Ghana faced challenges with October’s overlapping observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which diluted the focus on mental health issues. The shift to May is strategic, avoiding conflicts and maximizing the impact of the awareness campaign. Ghana’s Purple Month is inspired by Mental Health America’s initiative started in 1949. Prof. Appau noted, “We are adopting a model that has shown great success in other nations. Our goal is to boost mental health awareness, combat stigma, and celebrate recovery, making a genuine difference in the lives of Ghanaians.”

Purple Month seeks to change that by advancing mental health treatment and behavioral health education. “We aim to foster dialogue, encourage proactive approaches to mental health, and ensure early intervention,” stated Prof. Appau. This year’s theme is: “Movement: Moving for Our Mental Health.” According to Prof Appau, the campaign aims to increase awareness about the significance of mental health and the beneficial impact of physical activity on psychological well-being. Dr. Pinaman Appau explained further that more than 2.3 million Ghanaians experience mental health disorders, and this makes awareness, education, and support for mental health advocacy more important now, than ever.“In keeping with the Authority’s mission to raise awareness among the general public, elevate the voices of mental health service users and caregivers, and fight for the rights and needs of individuals impacted, this month-long campaign also exhorts people to include movement in their daily lives as a means of promoting mental wellness.” She added.

 The government through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has released one hundred and seventy million, seven hundred and seventy-five thousand and thirty-five cedis to various healthcare providers nationwide to settle outstanding claims. 

In a statement released by the NHIA on Wednesday, May 1, the Authority said the payment of GHS170, 775,035.07 covers the majority of claims from January and February 2024 for lower-tier healthcare facilities, which represent the largest group of providers. For upper-tier facilities, the payment covers claims up to November 2023. In the statement signed by the Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr Da-Costa Aboagye, the Authority said this payment is part of the NHIA’s mission to provide high-quality healthcare services to all citizens in Ghana.“This is in fulfillment of the NHIA’s mandate and ensures the continued provision of quality healthcare services to all citizens.”

According to the NHIA, healthcare facilities who wish to confirm their payment can visit the NHIA website at nhis.gov.gh/payments.Management of the NHIA expressed gratitude to all the healthcare facilities that have been approved to provide healthcare services for their dedication to the well-being of communities.