China to focus on better care for its 100 million mental patients
- Source: Global Times
- [19:04 June 21 2010]
- Comments
Another worrying statistic shows that 82 percent of those arrested for various crimes suffer from some sort of mental illness.
The police in Shaanxi have said that cases when mentally disturbed people resort to violent crimes usually involve people with whom they are acquainted.
There is a significant shortage of psychiatric care facilities and qualified psychiatrists in China
The statistics show that there is only one psychiatric hospital bed available for 10,000 people, and there is only one psychiatrist for 100,000 people.
In addition, such health care is very expensive and beyond the means of many of those who need it the most.
And patients are often required to continue their treatment - for example taking medication - for the rest of their life.
But it must be noted that nowadays many conditions are treatable and patients can lead a "normal" life.
The current situation obviously needs attention as there is widespread misunderstanding, fear and stigma attached to mental illness
In addition, the authorities do not yet have a system to deal with those suffering from such conditions. More often than not, the police simply discharge them without further psychiatric or medical intervention, leading to some repeat offenders.
