ECONOMIC COST OF SCHIZOPHRENIA IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN INDIA

Vijay Niranjan; Savita Patel; Ram Ghulam Razdan

Volume : IX, Issue : VIII, August - 2020

ECONOMIC COST OF SCHIZOPHRENIA IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN INDIA

Vijay Niranjan, Savita Patel, Ram Ghulam Razdan

Abstract :

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder causing significant disability and burden on patients and caregivers. Costs of care include direct, indirect and intangible costs. This study primarily aimed to assess direct and direct costs of schizophrenia in a sample of 50 patients. Mean per capita family income per month was INR 3670. Only 8 % had some kind of health insurance product. Mean travel expenses per month was INR 469. Mean expense on medication was INR 187 per month. 6% had to took loans for treatment expenses. Mean income loss due to consultancy was 144 INR per visit per month. Total cost was 810 INR per month. This study concludes the need of strengthening community mental health services, raising awareness about health insurance, enhancement of occupational rehabilitation and further cost analysis research.