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Mental health system financing in developing countries: Policy questions and research responses*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 May 2011

Dan Chisholm
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Abstract

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To what extent does previous and existing health economics research directly address key health system financing issues facing mental health services in developing countries? By mapping WHO's health systems framework onto mental health, three key financing questions for mental health are identified: the sufficiency of resources for mental health; the protection of individuals or households against the economic consequences of mental ill-health; and the efficient use of available resources for mental health. Research efforts to date have mainly focused on the evaluation of intervention costs in relation to mental health outcomes (the efficiency question). There is a need to achieve a greater balance between economic analysis (aimed at identifying best buys) versus financial planning (scaling up the delivery or implementation of interventions shown to be cost-effective). In addition, a better understanding and clearer articulation of the negative impact of mental disorders at the household level is needed, together with ways of alleviating financial burden via appropriate and affordable pre-payment financing mechanisms.

Type
Editorials
Information
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences , Volume 16 , Issue 4 , December 2007 , pp. 282 - 288
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

Footnotes

*

The views expressed in this editorial are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the World Health Organization.

References

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