Psychological sickness is a dire situation which many people and societies all over the world face, as seen by tens of millions of victims all over the world. 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 improvement ordinances, in order that they higher go well with 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 remedy and care of people with psychological diseases; nonetheless, it’s broadly believed that the coverage must be up to date to replicate the altering wants of society. The federal government has additionally carried out varied initiatives geared 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.
In response to this desk, the variety of sufferers throughout all classes being handled for psychiatric diseases has solely ever elevated. Which means that psychological well being companies must considerably enhance their effectivity, manpower and accessibility in Hong Kong, particularly as entry to psychological well being companies is a big concern in Hong Kong. The demand for psychological well being companies has been growing in recent times, with many people ready for prolonged durations of time to obtain remedy. With the present fraught dynamic with NGOs and Authorities Departments battling over varied companies, policymakers should work to enhance entry to psychological well being companies and create a extra coordinated and complete system of care. Even a typical well being checkup at a clinic doesn’t embody a complete psychological well being checkup, which is changing into an more and more prioritised part for a lot of.
Training is an integral part of psychological well being coverage, as it could actually assist to lift consciousness and cut back stigma surrounding psychological sickness. At the moment, there is no such thing as a formal psychological well being schooling curriculum in Hong Kong faculties, and psychological well being schooling just isn’t a compulsory a part of instructor coaching packages. Policymakers should work to implement psychological well being education schemes in faculties and supply coaching for academics and different professionals.
Suicide is a big public well being situation in Hong Kong, with town having one of many highest suicide charges on this planet. The federal government has carried out varied initiatives geared toward stopping suicide, such because the establishment of a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline and the event of suicide prevention tips. Nonetheless, extra must be achieved to deal with the basis 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 equivalent to employment and housing. Policymakers must also work to deal with stigma and discrimination by way of public schooling campaigns and the event of insurance policies that shield the rights of people with psychological sickness.
