ECONOMICS OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Mental health has an economic impact on both individuals and societies. There is lack of information on total cost of mental illness in the Czech Republic, especially on social services financed by municipalities and private resources. In the health sector, the share of mental health expenditures is estimated to be 3-4% of total health expenditures. In the social security system, mental illness is responsible for 3.3% of total sick-days, 14.2% of full disability pensions and 9.5% of partial disability pensions. The estimated mental health expenditures amount 15 362 millions CZK in the health sector and from the social security in 2006, which makes 0.48% of gross domestic product. If the level of expenditures on mental health is interpreted as an indicator of the society's commitment to mental health, then mental health has a relatively low priority in the Czech Republic.