Training psychiatrists in Britain to work in developing countries

Abstract

The economically developing countries face a perpetual challenge to provide essential health care. The available health care delivery systems are primitive and lack organisation and resources. Mental health care suffers even more acutely for want of attention, widespread ignorance and prejudice. The services in this field are inadequate and often inappropriate. The urge for a qualitative change has led to a focus on higher training of specialist doctors.

Psychiatric training in developing countries

“…The suitability of the training in developed countries for psychiatrists who will ultimately work in developing countries is increasingly being questioned (Mubbashar & Humayun, 1999), but questions have rarely been asked about the training in their own countries. Unfortunately, the training in most developing countries is still based on models of psychiatric services and theories derived from developed nations.…”