The struggling economy is affecting the welfare of countries around the world and especially in the way of healthcare. In his latest address, National Institute of Mental Health Director Thomas Insel discusses the World Economic Forum’s new report, which brings to light the global economic burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including mental health disorders. But, Insel says, the economic woes stemming from healthcare are not set in stone:
“What makes these numbers especially important is the realization that they can be reduced. The WHO recently provided a list of “best buys” — low-cost interventions such as tobacco control and reductions in alcohol and substance use that can dramatically alter the prevalence and cost of NCDs. The WEF advises governments and corporations not medical practitioners and patients. But the message should be of broad interest: the economic health of both developing and developed nations will depend on controlling the staggering growth in costs from NCDs.”
Heather Rudow is a staff writer for Counseling Today. Email her at hrudow@counseling.org.
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