A special establishment designed to offer free treatment for
mental health patients has been launched in Shanghai.
Located in the Shanghai Mental Health Center (SMHC), the "New
Beginning" facility would serve as a third option for patients
suffering from psychiatric disorders after home and hospitals, said
Tang Wenzhong, director of the rehabilitation section of SMHC.
Xu Yifeng, deputy head of SMHC, said the facility was staffed by
professional psychiatrists, psychologists, legal experts, nurses
and social workers.
Patients will receive rehabilitation by learning skills, such as
music, dance, calligraphy and cooking, and be taught communication
and social skills, as well as training in household duties such as
managing finances.
"Our society has a blind spot towards helping and caring for
psychiatric patients," said Xu. "They are hospitalized
unnecessarily and can be discharged into the community before they
are ready."
New Beginning already had nine patients, said Xu, who added the
new facility received sponsorship from AstraZeneca, the
Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical company.
"We will extend the program to more mental health organizations
in the city if New Beginning proves a success," said Xu.
Similar rehabilitation services were available in nine other
Chinese cities, including Beijing, Tianjin and Guangzhou, said
Xu.
More than 83 million people suffer from mental disorders in
China, according to official estimates.
(Xinhua News Agency August 25, 2007)