Killings spur mental health race

The National Health Commission in Beijing said that it would address gaps in its mental health services from this year to 2027 as authorities try to deal with an increasing number of mental health issues, particularly among children and adolescents.

China will set up a hotline and regional mental health centers and "actively develop key clinical specialities" in mental health, it said.

The announcement comes as mental health issues have sprung to the forefront after violent incidents last year, including a series of stabbing cases and two separate cases of cars ramming into crowds.

Outpatient services for mental and sleep disorders should be available at a minimum of at least one hospital in each prefecture and city nationwide by 2025.

The World Health Organisation estimates 54 million people in China suffer from depression and 41 million from anxiety disorders.

REUTERS