Child and adolescent mental health care

Abstract

Although Sri Lanka can be justifiably proud of some of its national health indicators, such as the relatively low infant mortality rate, efficient immunisation program, and the extensive primary health care services, when it comes to total health care in children and adolescents there is much room for improvement. Total health must take into account their physical, psycosocial needs, and help them to reach the full development through promotion of health, disability and treatment of illness. To what extent do the health services in Sri Lanka provide for mental health needs of children and adolescents? The answer is obvious almost nothing. Absence of a clear national policy for child and adolescent mental health service and lack of comprehension by the authorities of the need for one, resulting in inadequate allocation of resources, have contributed to this dismal state. With increased public demand for such services, the discrepancy between the health care infrastructure and the mental health needs of children has widened in the last two decades, but there is little hope of increased funding.