My Take | Don’t overlook mental health in the quest for China’s innovative future
Demand for psychological services will only grow in the coming years among the young and older generations
Under the blueprint, China should make a major leap in economic and technological prowess by 2035, as well as see a rise in rural and urban incomes. It also envisages breakthroughs in core technologies, a modern military, modern governance, and narrowing of the urban-rural divide to achieve common prosperity.
The vision was put forward in 2020, and the Communist Party aims to make it a reality through the three five-year plans from 2020 to 2035.
Its emphasis on the new economy, innovation and scientific talent is not surprising, given China’s tech war with the United States.
However, one important area the policymakers should not overlook is the growing need for mental and psychological health services among the population.
Over the decades, much attention has been focused on economic development, and personal needs such as resolving family disputes have usually fallen on the shoulders of local cadres at the street and neighbourhood levels. At the same time, teachers were responsible for dealing with the emotional problems of their pupils.