Let’s promote a mentally healthy workforce for a wealthier Zambia – Kamanga

Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga has called for the enactment of mental policies at that will offer a balanced life for employees at work places.

Mr Kamanga challenged employers to step up the fight for mental wellness by offering increased mental health awareness at the work place.

ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary was speaking during the commemorations of the World mental health day which was held under the theme : ’’ Mental Health at the Work Place’’ in Kitwe yesterday,

In a speech read for him by Kitwe District Commissioner Binwell Mpundu, Mr Kamanga stated that concerted efforts by all stakeholders would help address mental ill health related cases at workplaces.

Mr. Kamanga noted that the huge investments in the health sector were a testimony that government was committed to addressing mental health related issues.

He added that at a global level 2.5 trillion dollars were spent on addressing mental health issues annually hence the need for employers to create a mental friendly workplace.

He urged employers to provide employees with program that were inclusive of mental health packages.

‘’In line with this year’s theme, I challenge all employers and employees to champion the addressing of wellbeing at the work place. Let’s promote a country with the mentally healthy workforce for a wealthier Zambia. Prejudice and discrimination deprive people of their dignity,’’ Mr Kamanga said.

And Provincial Medical Officer Consity Mwale disclosed that government had invested about K16 million for the construction of the ultra-modern mental health facility in Ndola.

Dr. Mwale said construction works of the facility had reached an advanced stage with 60 percent of works already done adding that the completion of the health facility will help address mental health related cases in the province.