A critical review of mental health and mental health‐related policies in China: More actions required

Abstract

In China, there are over 170 million people suffering from mental illness. However, there is a lack of a critical review of the policies governing the provision of mental health services. Drawing on the framework of mental health policy developed by the WHO, this article critically examines mental health policies regarding legislation, financing, model of care and delivery, as well as manpower and the training of mental health professionals in China. This analysis raises a number of policy‐related questions concerning the lack of community‐based psychiatric services, inadequate coverage of mental health services in the rural areas, poor standard of education and an insufficient number of trained mental health professionals, and insufficient protection of the human rights of people with mental illness. The article ends by urging the various levels of governments to make a firm commitment to improve mental health care for people with mental illness in China.

The Views of Mental Health Manager Towards the Use of a Family Work Model for Psychosis in Guangzhou, China

“…However, levels of service vary amongst provinces with provision in rural areas remaining particularly sparse (Wong et al, 2014). It is therefore possible that managers in different regions may reach other conclusions.…”

“…Different challenges are likely to apply in China influenced by service developments. Since 2004, the Chinese Government has placed emphasis on community services within mental health policy (Wong et al, 2014). Despite this, the majority of funding continues to be directed towards hospital-based services.…”

“…Consequently, the majority of care continues to be provided by families. Recent policy has led to the development of mental health centres, whose workers are tasked with registering, risk assessing and offering community care to those with a severe mental disorder (Wong et al, 2014). Whilst these centres represent an expansion of provision, the amount of trained workers remains low.…”

A review of supported employment services for people with mental disabilities in Hong Kong

“…Since the early 1990s (Law, 1994), there has been debate on the need for an overarching mental health policy in Hong Kong (Wong, Zhuang, Pan, & He, 2013). The HKSAR government and nongovernmental organizations are called upon to work together to lay down a mental health policy which will serve the purposes of; (i) determining how the budget for treatment, training and staffing will be deployed; (ii) reallocating human resources; (iii) standardizing the level and scope of services for psychiatric patients; (iv) liaising with other service providers involved in rehabilitation, housing and security; and (v) supervising the implementation of the priority follow-up system (Expert Panel for Better Community Care, 2010).…”

Panhandling and the Contestation of Public Space in Guangzhou

“…Financial and medical support for the elderly and for physically and mentally challenged people are also limited or unavailable. (53) The treatment of illnesses and disabilities is complicated, and homecare institutions are too expensive, overcrowded, non-existent or unknown. (54) Several interviewees received financial support from their local government, mainly within the Minimum Livelihood Guarantee program known as "dibao."…”