Critical issue in global health ( Mental Health in the People's Republic of China ) - Essay Example

Mental Health in the China People’s Republic of China: An Epidemiological Journey Michael Phillips contextualized his presentation on the mental health in China by citing a logical evolution that was divided into seven phases. Beginning in 1949, it culminated in the passage of the First National Mental Health Law. The development was typified by a protracted lack of focus on the health issue and a recent focus on mental health. However, Phillips argued that despite the milestones in policymaking, which occurred amidst growing interaction and influence of Western medicine, mental health still remains minor priority in public health policy because it is dominated by chronic diseases.

Phillips noted the recent developments in mental health policy as a step in the right direction. Under pressure from the international community and a growing awareness of the benefits of healthy population, the government is reportedly investing heavily on public health measures such as in mental health. However, the speaker pointed out that there are still much to be done and improved on. There is the case of the vulnerabilities in the National Mental Health Law and the need for more experts and talents to fill the gap in the area of research and mental health treatment.

According to Phillips, it is important for the world to be aware of the state of mental health in China because there are several critical differences. He cited the case of suicide as an example. He found that in China, suicide is impulsive rather than premeditated and this is the reason why many suicide cases were diagnosed to be free of mental illness. This along with several other issues, concluded, Phillips is the reason why high-income countries could also learn something from China.ReferencePhillips, M.

(22 October 2013). Mental Health in the China People’s Republic of China: An Epidemiological Journey. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf89MAvB8_g&feature=share&list=PLSWpg6k_hI7Nob600ctU09APD_r3Iftpr.