BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE– The Ministry of Health says the situation at the National Psychiatric Referral Hospital has normalized following reports of a disturbance at the institution.
The Ministry of Health Communications Officer Nsindiso Tsabedze said government was aware of media reports regarding the incident and was awaiting a formal report from hospital management to establish exactly what transpired.
“The situation has normalized at the Psychiatric Centre. As a Ministry, we await a formal report from the institution on what actually transpired in regard to the media reports we have seen,” said Tsabedze.
His comments come after reports published by one of the country mainstream media publications alleging that a group of male patients at the National Psychiatric Referral Hospital caused a disturbance and temporarily left the facility while demanding larger food rations. According to the publication, about 20 patients were involved in the incident.
The report raised concerns among members of the public regarding the safety and security of the institution as well as the welfare of patients receiving treatment at the facility.
However, the Ministry’s assurance that normalcy has returned is expected to ease fears among the public while authorities continue to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
Government has not yet confirmed the circumstances that led to the disturbance, the number of patients involved, or whether any injuries or damage were recorded.
The Ministry is expected to provide further details once it receives a comprehensive report from hospital management.
The National Psychiatric Referral Hospital is the country’s main institution providing specialized mental health services and care to patients from across the Kingdom.
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(Courtesy Pic)
