The National Institute of Mental Health could soon begin construction

Prague - The planned National Institute of Mental Health, which is to be built in Klecany near Prague, could begin construction in the near future. Notification of funding from European funds is expected to arrive in mid-October. This was stated today by the head of the Prague Psychiatric Center, Cyril Höschl. According to him, the new research center should start operating fully from January 2015.
The Prague Psychiatric Center was established 50 years ago. It is located in the grounds of the Bohnice psychiatric hospital. It focuses on researching mental health issues, training future doctors, and treating patients. Currently, it has several facilities in different locations throughout the capital. They are set to be unified in the new institute.
"The construction schedule is nearly two years behind due to political and personnel changes at the Ministry of Education. You start negotiations with someone, and by the time you step through the door, there’s a different minister. Health ministers also have a half-life of about ten months," Höschl stated.
Up to 50 million euros (1.25 billion crowns) can be obtained for the new institute. When the project began preparations, the amount was approximately 1.5 billion crowns. However, the strengthening of the crown has reduced the value, and the current figure is about a quarter of a billion lower. The funds obtained should cover not only the construction of the planned institute but also the start of its operations. Gradually, further sources will be sought, the head of the psychiatric center added.
Experts complain that psychiatry has long suffered from a lack of funding compared to other fields of medicine. Despite the increasing number of patients with mental health issues, depression, or Alzheimer's disease, it still remains marginalized. "Although funds are wasted in science here, this research deserves some financial injection. Every fourth resident will come into contact with psychiatry during their lifetime. Treatment represents a significant social burden. It is worth investing in the field," Höschl believes.