Out-of-Pocket expenditure for depression among patients attending private community psychiatric clinics in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a serious public health problem in Pakistan because of the disabilities it causes and the cost burden for the family. About 6% of the Pakistani population suffers from this illness and approximately 50% ofthose affected seek treatment. The health budget of the country is very low, average per capita income is 430 US dollars and 35% of the population falls below the poverty line. It follows that depression puts a heavy …