Objective:

This paper examines the elements that have caused the precarious state of mental health in Peru, where almost 90 % of patients with symptoms associated with mental disorders do not receive treatment.

Development:

The article analyzes the neoliberal health program implemented during the government of Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000). Subsequently, it studies how this public policy affected the mental health program and the health status of the population. Finally, it examines several diagnoses on mental health after the return of democracy in the year 2000 from a human rights perspective. This research ended in 2006 when the government presented a new National Mental Health Plan.

Conclusions:

The lack of access to adequate treatment at the national level has been a direct consequence of the reduced state expenditure on health, especially towards non-transmissible diseases and mental health. The neoliberal health policies implemented during the government of Alberto Fujimori reduced the role of the State as guarantor of universal access to health services and placed mental health in a marginal place within public health. The return to democracy in 2000, the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2003), and the call of international organizations, Catholic and Evangelical Churches, together with NGOS, pressed to the government to situate mental health as a relevant part of public health agenda.

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