Oshakati psychiatric ward infested with lice

Close to 160 psychiatric patients admitted to the psychiatric ward at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital are living in lice- and bedbug-infested quarters, Namibian Sun has learned.

Patients are reportedly struggling to sleep at night due to being plagued by bites from lice and bedbugs.

The situation is exacerbated by congested wards, poor hygiene among some patients, and alleged poor maintenance.

This comes at a time when the ward is struggling to meet the growing mental health demands of the northern population.

Overall, the psychiatric ward at the hospital is reportedly in disarray and overwhelmed due to the limited number of beds available.

The facility has long been overburdened and is now bursting at the seams as the country’s public health system struggles to keep up.

The ward has a total of 140 beds but currently accommodates 97 men and 62 women.

Situation at crisis point

There is reportedly a general feeling among health workers at the facility that the health ministry’s leadership is not showing urgency in dealing with the ward’s challenges.

Some health workers fear the situation could spiral out of control and worsen if it is not addressed promptly.

The situation, according to frustrated frontline staff who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity, has reached crisis levels, and relatives of patients admitted to the facility are constantly complaining that their loved ones are exposed to lice-infested blankets and dirty rooms.

Infestation being addressed

Ruben Kanime, the medical superintendent of Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, confirmed the lice crisis last week.

"I can confirm that it is true; there are lice, especially in the male ward," Kanime said.

Kanime also confirmed that it is not the first time they have discovered lice in the wards.

"It has happened before, and we managed to get rid of the lice, and this time around we are confident that we can still get rid of them," he said.

Special care required

He said the cleanliness issue in the ward is being addressed, and cleaners are trying their best to keep the wards clean.

He explained the ward's patients "are unique, and some are aggressive and throw food and drinks around on their bedding and the floors."

Kanime said the ward is not operating efficiently, and what is needed is a specialised psychiatric hospital.

"We need a hospital that will fully cater to the needs of mental health patients; we cater for a huge population in the north," he stressed.

He also pointed out that the majority of patients are admitted due to drug and alcohol abuse or depression.

"Most of the patients that suffer from mental health issues are youth because of alcohol and drug abuse," he said.

Shortcomings

Kanime noted that the necessary medication for patients is readily available at the moment, and government is in the process of securing a long-term contract with a supplier.

He added that Namibia is disadvantaged because of its small population, and suppliers tend to supply countries with large populations first.

"We have run out of medication before; currently we have the medication, and I hope that we can maintain it," Kanime said.

Kanime hopes that the recent establishment of the mental health board will address shortcomings within mental health facilities.