The Director of Pantang Hospital, Dr. Yenusuom Maalug, has appealed to the government to introduce a special levy dedicated to mental health care in Ghana, stressing that inadequate funding continues to hinder the hospital’s ability to deliver quality services.

Speaking on Ghana Yensom on Accra 100.5 FM with hosts Kaakyire Appea-Apreku and Odehyeba Kofi Essuman, Dr. Maalug explained that sustainable financial support is urgently needed to strengthen mental health delivery nationwide.

He argued that such a levy would cushion the country’s premier psychiatric facility and ensure better treatment for patients battling mental health conditions.

Dr. Maalug also urged the government to include some aspects of mental health treatment under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), noting that psychiatric drugs remain prohibitively expensive for many patients, often resulting in relapse and deteriorating conditions.

As Pantang Hospital marks its 50th anniversary, he called on the public, corporate bodies, and stakeholders to support the facility, describing mental health as a collective responsibility.

In a direct appeal to President John Dramani Mahama, Dr. Maalug proposed the construction of a new modern Pantang Hospital as a lasting legacy project.

He said such an initiative would not only improve infrastructure but also demonstrate a strong national commitment to tackling Ghana’s growing mental health challenges.