Addressing Mental Health: Review Of Status, Policy, Programmes And Expenditure In SAARC Countries

Abstract

Mental health is fundamental component of overall health and well-being supporting our distinct and cooperative abilities to make decisions, build relationships with others, shape the world, realize our abilities and learn and work effectively. This research article explores the programmes and expenditure on mental health in South Asian association for regional cooperation countries. This research paper is based on secondary data published by the respective government of the country. The objective of the research is to find out the mental health status, policies and programmes regarding mental health promotion and expenditure on mental health in SAARC countries. It is found that government has made policies for curbing down the mental health issues but due to lack of skilled and trained professionals and social taboos, mental health problems are not addressed properly. In SAARC countries, suicide rate is commonly decreasing day-by-day from 2000-2019. Only Bhutan and Pakistan show rise in suicide. Most suicide was committed in Sri Lanka and the least in Pakistan during selected period. Most countries show either steady or fluctuating investments in general hospitals, while mental health hospitals receive significantly less funding. Nepal and Pakistan show consistent growth in healthcare expenditure.