Psychologists have asked government to put in place necessary measures to provide psychosocial support for Covid-19 patients. 

This follows the death of a High School teacher in Blantyre, Dalirani Fulutuma, 29, who committed suicide after being diagnosed with Covid-19 in Blantyre.

Kamuzu College of Nursing (KCN) clinical psychologist Moses Muocha said the pandemic has a huge impact on mental health hence the need to provide them with national helpline toll free lines where they can get counselling.

“You will agree with me that covid-19 has a bearing on mental health and it should not remain unchecked.

“Government needs to start giving patients numbers where they can call and get supported psychologically by well-trained counselors,” Muocha said.

Dr Chiwoza Bandawe, associate professor in the department of mental health at College of Medicine, said the patients need more of hope message like number of covid-19 recoveries than number of people who have succumbed to Covid-19 pandemic.

“These people should be given hope that being diagnosed is not a death sentence rather should be advised that many people are recovering from the disease,” said Dr Bandawe.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is yet to comment on the development as principal secretary did not pick up regardless of a number of attempts.