Case for investment on mental health in Nepal

Mental, neurological and substance use conditions pose significant challenges in Nepal, as depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder, epilepsy and alcohol use disorder are major causes of morbidity and mortality. These conditions are associated not only with human suffering and represent a burden on public health but also have significant social and economic consequences, including an increasing financial burden on the health system and loss of productivity, as individuals with mental health conditions are more likely to leave the labour force (due to premature death or disability), miss days of work (absenteeism) or work at reduced capacity (presenteeism).

The Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal in collaboration with development partners conducted a mental health investment case to quantify the long-term health, social and economic benefits of investment in mental health. It first provides an assessment of the current situation of mental health in the country, including challenges and opportunities for development of the mental health system. It then presents economic evidence of the attributable, avertable burden due to a number of mental, neurological and substance use conditions. Intervention costs, health gains and economic benefits were estimated for clinical interventions for six leading mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder, epilepsy and alcohol use disorder) and two population-based interventions (a pesticide ban and universal socio-emotional learning (SEL) interventions in schools).