Rehabilitation of chronic schizophrenics in a developing country

Mental health services in Pakistan, as in most developing countries, have not advanced beyond elementary level. Considering the population size, there are few beds in psychiatric wards or hospitals for those in need, and little, if any, opportunity for mentally ill individuals to receive aid and assistance in the community. One model which provides a comprehensive array of services for chronic mental patients in the community is known as the 'Clubhouse'. Since 1971, Fountain House has provided social, vocational, and residential services to chronic schizophrenics in Lahore, based on the concept of mental patients as members of a club receiving self-help through mutual cooperation. Equally basic to the model is the concept of family structure. Based on 14 years of experience, it has been found that the Clubhouse model can be initiated, grow, and thrive in a developing country. Essential to this process has been full involvement of the community. The model can be fully incorporated with adaptations reflecting local conditions and circumstances in other developing countries.