Economical Impact of Integration of Mental Health Services to Primary Care – A Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT There are numerous people all across the world who are struggling with mental health (MH) conditions. There is a growing recognition of the significance of MH as a primary cause of disability with substantial effects on daily functioning. The Ministry of Health’s financial division oversees money with the Ministry of Finance’s approval. Thus, this review explores the economics of integrating MH services in a primary healthcare center (PHC) in Saudi Arabia (SA). The incorporation of MH services into basic medical care is required as it ensures that the general population has access to the necessary MH care and the likelihood of better health outcomes is raised when receiving treatment in PHCs. The majority of funds that are now allocated to the provision of MH care are used to pay the wages of MH professionals and paramedical staff members who are employed in mental hospitals, as well as to invest in the development of infrastructure and education of MH experts. A report found that MH expenditures accounted for 4% of the entire budget for health care. The expenditure for mental hospitals was 22% of the total for MH hospitals. The allocation of funds is integral for the PHCs to perform at their maximum potential in the MH domain. Thus, this review explores the economics of integrating MH services in a PHC in S SA.