Case study: situation of mental health in Paraguay

Abstract

This article describes the mental health situation in Paraguay based on four components: 1) Public policies and national legislation 2) Financing of the Mental Health Program and its organization in the Integrated Health Services Networks (RIISS) 3) Epidemiological situation 4) Civil society organizations. Paraguay has a mental health policy in line with international standards, but no law. The budget is low and services do not reach the entire country. An increase in the number of consultations in the last five years was confirmed. The suicide rate shows a considerable increase. There is little social participation in the area. Interventions should be implemented based on health indicators and in line with policy. It is concluded that substantial improvement is needed in data recording to have a clear epidemiological situation.