Phaahla: Alarming rise in mental health cases among youth
Health Minister Joe Phaahla has raised alarm at the increase in mental health problems experienced by young South Africans due to substance abuse
Phaahla and the various provincial Health MECs briefed the media on Thursday following a meeting of the national health council in Centurion.
He said there has been an increase in the demand for mental health treatment across the country.
The increased demand has been especially prevalent among young people who abuse substances such as nyaope.
“Substance abuse is big among our youth. It fills our casualties. So while the MEC spoke about people who have consumed alcohol coming into our casualties. A large number of them have consumed nyaope and other substances.
"They compete for beds in the causality for those who have stab wounds and gunshots and so on. If you go to our hospitals across the country you will find a combination of injuries and young people because they took all sorts of substances,” said Phaahla.
Phaahla also expressed concern over what he believes to be drug dealers targeting primary schools.
Last month 90 learners were hospitalised after consuming space cookies ar Pulamadibogo Primary School in Soshanguve.
Three suspects have subsequently been arrested for selling the muffins to the pupils.
“We are in trouble," Phaahla said.
"What doesn’t help is the drug lords because they are also on the rampage targeting even primary schools giving them cookies and marijuana. This is a big battle.”
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