Mental Health in Primary Health Care

Abstract

“Health for All by the Year 2000” is a worldwide goal and many countries have initiated and developed health care programs in order to achieve this goal. The primary health care concept underlies these programs. The International Conference in Primary Health Care, held in 1978, provided that primary health care should include the promotion of mental health. The workshop, therefore, sought to confront the following key issues, which are central to the understanding of mental health in primary health care. (1) Clarification of the primary health care concept. (2) Clarification of the inter-relationship between primary health care and mental health in terms of: how does primary health care influence the mental health of the community; what mental health knowledge and skill can be applied in developing and providing primary health care; is it feasible to provide mental health care in general health care. (3) Discussion and adaption of strategies of action by participants relevant to specific conditions in their respective countries. Such strategies should focus on programs for mental health in primary health care.