A Psychiatric Ward in an African District Hospital

Abstract

In most African district hospitals there are no separate facilities for psychiatric patients. Aformer general medical officer describes how a ward for these patients was set up at a rural district hospital in Zimbabwe using the already available resources. The effects on the psychiatric care at the hospital and the district are illustrated by two case reports. It is concluded that psychiatric care integrated in primary healthcare, with due regard for the cultural aspects and with cooperation of local healers is feasible, provided that it is supported by additional diagnostic and treatment facilities at the district hospital.