Psychiatric hospital to be built in Polokwane
A sod-turning ceremony for a psychiatric hospital in Limpopo was held in Polokwane, Capricorn district on Thursday. The hospital will be built between Savannah Mall and Netcare Hospital under Netcare Akeso.
The founder of the new psychiatric hospital Dr Peters Mathebula says they saw the need for many people needing mental health care in the province.
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Dr Mathebula says in a rural province like Limpopo, people with mental health problems are still stigmatized. He was speaking during the sod-turning ceremony. He says the concept started in 2019. But was temporarily delayed because of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mathebula says post covid-19, they realised that there were many people suffering from mental health problems. This is due to various issues such as losing their jobs, and families, and many people were left depressed.
He says they have also noticed there are many children who use drugs such as nyaope, which affects them psychologically.

BUILDING OF A FIRST-EVERY PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL IN LIMPOPO OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY
Meanwhile, the executive Mayor of Polokwane Local Municipality John Mpe says the construction of the hospital within the city means residents of Limpopo who need mental health care treatment will not travel to other provinces for such services.
He says many people downplay mental health challenges. Having such a facility closer to home will enable people to deal with their life challenges in a professional way.
Mpe says this kind of development project will benefit the growth of the city and the realization of its vision to become a metropolitan municipality.
Mpe also adds that they are looking forward, and open to more investments, such as hotels, and industrialization, adding that the municipality has land to give to those who want to invest.