The government will soon introduce second-generation drugs in government hospitals.
The purpose of these will be to aid in reducing rising mental disorders in the country, Health CS, Cleopa Mailu said.
Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday during the unveiling of the country’s first Mental Health Policy (2015-2030), Mailu said that the ministry is committed to ensure affordable and quality mental health care for citizens as it is vital in progressing human development concerns. He added that the second-generation drugs were confirmed to be a cheaper option that offers shorter rehabilitation time when used on patients.
At the same time, the CS observed that mental health was entrenched in the values of human rights and is an integral part for any productive member of society and is safeguarded in the Constitution as well as various international conventions.
“Every person has a right to the highest attainable standard of health including the right to healthcare services, Vision 2030 and the Kenya Health Policy (2014-2030). This is the ultimate goal,” said Mailu.