Addressing Inadequate Infrastructure to Meet Growing Mental Health Care Needs in Gauteng Provincial Facilities: A Systems-Based Approach to Sustainable Reform
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Mental health infrastructure in South Africa’s Gauteng province remains critically underdeveloped, with overcrowded facilities and insufficient resources impeding equitable care delivery.
This study examines the structural, governance, and socio-cultural factors contributing to inadequate mental health services, drawing upon the Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) Framework and Systems Theory to propose evidence-based interventions. Using an integrative policy and literature analysis, the paper situates mental health reform within national (NDP 2030; South African Mental Health Policy Framework 2013–2020) and international (WHO Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030; SDG 3) contexts.
The findings highlight deficiencies in infrastructure, human resources, and governance, emphasizing community-based care and inter-sectoral collaboration as sustainable strategies. Recommendations include enhanced funding accountability, leadership reform, and adoption of digital health coordination systems. The proposed model aligns with global best practices and contributes to achieving universal mental health coverage in South Africa.