Psychological sickness is a dire difficulty which many people and societies around the globe face, as seen by tens of millions of victims around the globe. Hong Kong isn’t any exception, and policymakers have been working to implement insurance policies which assist the psychological well being wants of HK residents. This text will delve into the present state of Psychological Well being Coverage in HK, and discusses which key areas should be alleviated to additional growth ordinances, in order that they higher swimsuit the wants of our altering inhabitants.
Hong Kong’s psychological well being coverage is guided by the Psychological Well being Ordinance, which was final revised in 1996. The ordinance outlines the authorized framework for the therapy and care of people with psychological sicknesses; nonetheless, it’s broadly believed that the coverage must be up to date to mirror the altering wants of society. The federal government has additionally carried out numerous initiatives aimed toward selling psychological well being, such because the institution of the Hong Kong Psychological Well being Council in 2010 and the event of a psychological well being promotion framework in 2013.
Based on this desk, the variety of sufferers throughout all classes being handled for psychiatric sicknesses has solely ever elevated. Which means psychological well being providers need to considerably enhance their effectivity, manpower and accessibility in Hong Kong, particularly as entry to psychological well being providers is a major concern in Hong Kong. The demand for psychological well being providers has been rising lately, with many people ready for prolonged intervals of time to obtain therapy. With the present fraught dynamic with NGOs and Authorities Departments battling over numerous providers, policymakers should work to enhance entry to psychological well being providers and create a extra coordinated and complete system of care. Even a typical well being checkup at a clinic doesn’t embrace a complete psychological well being checkup, which is turning into an more and more prioritised element for a lot of.
Schooling is an integral element of psychological well being coverage, as it could possibly assist to boost consciousness and scale back stigma surrounding psychological sickness. At present, there isn’t any formal psychological well being training curriculum in Hong Kong colleges, and psychological well being training isn’t a compulsory a part of trainer coaching packages. Policymakers should work to implement psychological well being teaching programs in colleges and supply coaching for academics and different professionals.
Suicide is a major public well being difficulty in Hong Kong, with town having one of many highest suicide charges on this planet. The federal government has carried out numerous initiatives aimed toward stopping suicide, such because the establishment of a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline and the event of suicide prevention pointers. Nonetheless, extra must be completed to handle the foundation causes of suicide and supply assist for at-risk people.
Stigma and discrimination surrounding psychological sickness stay pervasive in Hong Kong society. Many people with psychological sickness face discrimination in areas similar to employment and housing. Policymakers also needs to work to handle stigma and discrimination by public training campaigns and the event of insurance policies that defend the rights of people with psychological sickness.