PS Dr. Salome Beacco Leads Efforts to Improve Inmate Mental Health at MNTRH
Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital hosted a high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary for Correctional Services, Dr. Salome Beacco aimed at strengthening forensic mental health care for inmates and patients with mental health conditions within the criminal justice system.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the The Ministry of Health , the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Kenya Police service and the Office of commission general of prisons representative reinforcing the hospital’s central role in managing the care of inmates requiring psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
PS Dr. Beacco underscored the need to uphold the dignity and human rights of inmates with mental illness, calling for better coordination between health and legal systems to support their treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.
“Let us explore bold, lasting strategies that not only address immediate needs but also lay the foundation for long-term reform,” she urged.
She announced that all inmates receiving forensic mental health care at Mathari Hospital will be registered under the Social Health Authority, ensuring they receive continuous and equitable access to mental health services.
Additionally, in partnership with the Kenya Prisons Service, the PS outlined plans to introduce vocational training programs within the hospital for inmates undergoing psychiatric care ,a step aimed at equipping them with life skills for successful reintegration.
Mathari CEO Dr. Julius Ogato welcomed the multi-agency approach, noting that while funding constraints, policy gaps, and infrastructure challenges continue to affect service delivery, the hospital remains committed to improving the care of inmates and other forensic psychiatry patients.
This meeting reaffirmed Mathari’s unique and vital role as the national leader in forensic mental health care , working at the intersection of health, justice, and human rights.
