Chairman, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Prof Akin Osibogun, has called for the deployment of practical policies for improved health care services in the country.

According to Osibogun, it is important to revisit health care policies, especially on financing, development and public-private partnership for the development of the sector.

Osibogun, represented by a member of the Board, Dr. Bolaji Obadeyi, said this at the fourth edition of the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Yaba (FNPHY) Annual Research Conference, entitled Insecurity, Conflicts and the Pandemic: Impact on Mental Health.

He called for enhanced public health preparedness and response, which would include health intelligence, proactive and preventive use of cost effective interventions, improved service delivery and others.

“Nigeria is ranked 197 out of 201 countries in terms of quality health system and within Africa, it ranks with the poorest countries, which requires urgent attention and investment,” he said.

Medical Director, FNPHY, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye said the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the existing insecurity and conflicts, thereby stressing the mental health stability of individuals beyond limit.

Professor of Psychiatry, Prof. Femi Oyebode, urged young psychiatric professionals to show commitment towards execution of researches for development and advancement of mental health delivery and services.

He said the purpose of research was to change and influence other people’s ways of perception.

“I call on young psychiatric practitioners to venture into researches and findings. This is the only way you can contribute to the global health community and your contribution will be at a very high level,” he said.