Comparison of Mental Health Capacity of Southeast Asian Nations

Regionally, mental health has been a low priority. In most of the Southeast Asian countries, “mental health spending is no more than 2% of the health budget, with 80 - 90% going to mental hospitals.” Poor mental health has also been linked to slower development. “The direct consequences of neglect are many, including avoidable disability, impoverishment, and widespread human-rights abuses (in the region).” A comparison of the mental health capacity across Southeast Asian nations can be found in the Table above (Maramis, Van Tuan & Minas, 2011).