The President of the Association of Resident Doctors in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Roland Aigbovo, has
revealed during a campaign against drug abuse, at Wuse Market, that four medical doctors working in Abuja committed suicide
between January and June this year.
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According to him, the campaign, which is a part of the activities to mark the association’s Health Week, was aimed at educating
traders and shoppers on the dangers of drug abuse.
He said
“Many people now take refuge in drugs to cover up stress, believing that once
someone is high, he or she will forget their problems.”
The medical doctor noted that global burden of mental health disorder is projected to reach 15 per cent by next year.
“This had resulted in suicide, a lot of people had taken their lives as a result of drug abuse.
“You will agree with me that suicide is alien to African culture, we are not used to taking our
lives no matter the stress, unfortunately, things are changing.
“The medical profession is not left out of this menace because this year alone, between
January and June, close to four doctors here took their lives.
“If those that have been trained to provide people with healthcare become patients to the extent of taking their lives, it is a source of huge concern,” he added.
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He said that the resident doctors set on the campaign to draw government and public attention to mental health issues.