Minister bemoans rampant drug, alcohol abuse

Nokusa Masuku Chronicle Reporter
THE Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr David Parirenyatwa, has bemoaned rampant alcohol and drug abuse in Zimbabwe which is resulting in some people suffering from mental illnesses.Speaking at a graduation ceremony held at Ingutsheni Central Hospital yesterday, Dr Parirenyatwa expressed concern over school children, especially from private schools, who have the tendency of                                                             abusing drugs and alcohol.

“Alcohol abuse is more rampant in this country. Healthy drinking is at least one pint a day. People tend to abuse alcohol and it results in mental illness,” he said.

“School children should visit Ingutsheni Central Hospital and get exposed to psychiatric patients who abused alcohol and drugs as a way of showing them the effects of drug abuse.”

He said the Mental Health Act of 1996, Mental Health Regulations of 1999 and Mental Health Policy of 2005 will be reviewed.

Dr Parirenyatwa said the government intends to resuscitate rehabilitation centres for drugs and alcohol abuse and increase community based mental health care.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ingutsheni Central Hospital, Leonard Mabandi, said they have engaged schools in a campaign against substance abuse.

“Prevention is better than cure. We’ve engaged in a programme of campaigning against drug and substance abuse, where we invite schools to bring school children to learn about the negative effects of drug and substance abuse,” said Mabandi.

“The visit concludes by a visit to other wards where they meet some of the victims of abuse.”