Nairobi: Behind the white perimeter walls of Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital (MNTRH), seen from the busy Thika Highway, lies a facility shrouded in misconceptions. The misconception that MNTRH is meant for mad people is prevalent, along with the belief that patients are chained due to violent behavior. These stereotypes have led to stigmatizing phrases like, ‘This is a Mathari case,’ when describing irrational behavior.
According to Kenya News Agency, this stigma and misunderstanding prevent many from seeking the mental health care they need. The hospital, with its motto ‘Healing minds, restoring lives, and touching families,’ functions like any other medical facility, such as Kenyatta National Hospital. It offers comprehensive care, including mental health services. Ignatius Wambio, a recent visitor, was referred to Mathari for physiotherapy, illustrating the facility’s broader medical services. Despite this, Wambio hesitated to discuss his treatment, fearing public judgment.
The stigma associated with mental illness remains significant, deterring individuals and families from seeking necessary services. This is a concern for Dr. Julius Ogato, the hospital’s CEO, who emphasizes the hospital’s role in treating diseases of the mind and aiding in social and economic rehabilitation. He describes how untreated mental illness can lead to social detachment and the breakdown of families.
Mathari Hospital has a rich history, evolving from a smallpox isolation center in 1901 to the country’s leading psychiatric facility. It serves as a referral center for mental illnesses, with a staff of 544 dedicated to providing care, despite a staffing shortfall. The hospital also supports the justice system, housing wards for criminal offenders. It receives a significant number of visitors daily, most seeking mental health services, alongside general outpatient care.
The facility is expanding, with new buildings under construction, and offers specialized treatment programs for disorders like schizophrenia and depression. It also serves as a training ground for mental health professionals, with partnerships with educational institutions like the Kenya Medical Training College and the University of Nairobi.
Dr. Victoria Wamukhoma, a consultant psychiatrist at the hospital, calls for an end to the myths surrounding the facility. She highlights the hospital’s success in treating patients and enabling them to resume productive lives. Dr. Wamukhoma notes an increase in mental illness cases, attributed to the growing population. Despite these challenges, Mathari Hospital remains a beacon of hope, striving to normalize conversations about mental health and provide vital services to those in need.
