Decentralization of psychiatric services in Malaysia--what is the prospect?

Since the Government was implementing the policy of decentralization of psychiatric services, a large number of chronic schizophrenic patients failed community management because of the breakdown of family support. The rejected patients were admitted to the Old Persons' Home for protection because no other suitable places were available for them. In a follow-up study in one of the Homes, the one-year prevalence rate of treated psychiatric illness and schizophrenia was found to be 27.5% and 15.3% respectively. Lack of rehabilitation and community care facilities and inadequate staff in all categories were the root of the problem. The author foresees that the Government will face a serious problem in future to cater for the increasing number of chronic schizophrenic patients in the community if it does not take immediate action to improve mental health services in the country.