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Bangladesh: Schizophrenia and autism treatment, services, and societal attitudes

Availability of services

  • “Currently, mental health services through the primary care system are not widespread. Most mental health services are concentrated around urban areas. The recent National Mental Health Survey showed that the treatment gaps for most mental health conditions are significant. National level preventive and promotive programmes addressing stigma and prevention of suicide need to be implemented urgently. […]

There are significant treatment gaps for all mental health conditions. […] There is a paucity of mental health professionals, and conditions for mental health professionals in the government sector are not attractive. […] Mental health services through the primary care system need to be strengthened. 

Shishu Bikash Kendras (SBKs) have been established in 34 medical college hospitals and one district hospital. These focus on providing comprehensive care for autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, including facilities for the diagnosis and management of epilepsy as envisaged in the National Strategic Plan for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.”

World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia, “Addressing Mental Health in Bangladesh”, 6 September 2022, last accessed: 23 February 2023

  • “Currently, mental health services through the primary care system are not widespread. Most mental health services are concentrated around urban areas. The recent National Mental Health Survey showed that the treatment gaps for most mental health conditions are significant. National level preventive and promotive programmes addressing stigma and prevention of suicide need to be implemented urgently. […]

There are significant treatment gaps for all mental health conditions. […] There is a paucity of mental health professionals, and conditions for mental health professionals in the government sector are not attractive. […] Mental health services through the primary care system need to be strengthened. 

Shishu Bikash Kendras (SBKs) have been established in 34 medical college hospitals and one district hospital. These focus on providing comprehensive care for autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, including facilities for the diagnosis and management of epilepsy as envisaged in the National Strategic Plan for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.”

World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia, “Addressing Mental Health in Bangladesh”, 6 September 2022, last accessed: 23 February 2023