Psychiatrist condemns Unitech students for harassing mental health patient

Leading psychiatrist Dr Goiba Teinang has condemned male students of the PNG University of Technology for mocking, sexually harassing, and manhandling his 20-year-old patient, Louise Wamas.

Dr Teinang, who serves as the Directorate for Social Change and Mental Health Services in the Momase Region, called for respect toward people with mental disorders, stressing that such conditions are treatable and patients can fully recover.

He said Louise, whom he has treated since November last year, was already struggling with her condition when the incident occurred over the weekend. The trauma, he said, may have worsened her state.

“Louise told me she was mocked, sexually harassed, and manhandled. She had to seek help from security guards at the university gate, who then took her to the police station,” Dr Teinang said.

He explained that mental disorders are illnesses like any other affecting the body, except they target the brain and impair thinking. With modern treatments, many patients can recover fully if brought in early.

Following treatment on Monday and Tuesday, Louise is now improving, but Dr Teinang has advised her family to keep her away from the public to help her stabilize.

He urged families of mental health patients to ensure they complete their prescribed treatments and avoid stopping medication without medical advice.