The nurses at Tshiungani clinic and some clinics around the Ha-Rammbuda Tribal Authority in Mutale were urged to treat patients suffering from mental illness with dignity and with the utmost care, despite the challenges of shortages of medication and staff.

“We want nurses to assist mentally ill patients, so that they may be cured and go back to their communities. Hospitals or clinics are not home, and we urge communities to incorporate mentally ill patients back into the communities when they are cured,” said Dr Rachael Maponya, senior manager dealing with mental illness in the Department of Health and Social Development.

She was speaking at the clinic outside Mutale during the Rammbuda Mental Illness Day. The day is the brainchild of Thovhele Azwihangwisi Rammbuda. It is his wish that residents of the area should be aware of their health status and treat people suffering from mental illness with dignity and care.

Thovhele Azwihangwisi Rammbuda said communities who live with mentally ill people must care for them as they are also human beings. “We found that, in the past, mentally ill patients were locked away and tied up inside houses while other people were enjoying themselves outside." A mentally ill patient who receives his medication at the Tshiungani Clinic, Mr Oscar Magedane, urged the government to give clinics medication in time and also to build a place where they can learn skills while receiving medication.

Magedane has just completed a novel, which he want to be published and read in schools. The novel is called Pfunzo ndi mapfura na lebula, which means education is the key to success.