Bolivia‘s Universal Healthcare System Provides Lifeline for Mental Health Patients
Sucre, Bolivia – August 10, 2025 – Over the past five years, Bolivia has recorded 34,790 individuals diagnosed with mental health conditions, many of whom were abandoned by their families and rely on psychiatric hospitals for care. However, the Single Health System (SUS) has stepped in to cover all expenses, from basic necessities like food and clothing to specialized medical care, including psychiatry, dentistry, and examinations.
This support is crucial for individuals like Óscar, an 18-year-old with no known relatives, who was admitted in May to the National Institute of Psychiatry “Gregorio Pacheco” in Sucre.
“Currently, the National Institute of Psychiatry ‘Gregorio Pacheco’ houses 365 patients in both long-term and acute hospitalization units for men and women,” stated Álvaro Flores, director of the institute. “These patients receive thorough care, including accommodation, food, clothing, medical attention, psychological support, consultations, and a readily available medical stock.”
Prior to the implementation of the Single Health System on February 20,2019,access to mental healthcare was limited to those with private insurance or families who could cover the costs of private hospitalization.
Bolivia has three specialized mental health facilities: the National Institute of Psychiatry “Gregorio Pacheco” for adults (Sucre), the Psychopedagogical Institute “san Juan de Dios” for children and adolescents (Sucre), and a rural institute serving communities throughout the country.
Of the 34,790 patients hospitalized under the SUS between 2021 and 2025,9,971 received care at the National Institute of Psychiatry “Gregorio Pacheco,” 11,579 at the psychopedagogical Institute “San Juan de Dios,” and 13,240 at the Institute for Prevention,Treatment,Rehabilitation and Research of Drug Dependencies and Mental Health.
Oscar’s Story
Óscar has been a resident of the Second Unit for men for two and a half months (since May), having previously been admitted to the Psychopedagogical Institute “San Juan de Dios.” His psychiatrist, Francisca Luque Contreras, regularly monitors his condition, which includes moderate intellectual disability and a behavioral disorder.
“The patient receives psychopharmacological treatment covered by the Single Health System, and also clinical care and necessary complementary studies. He also benefits from dental care,physiotherapy,and occupational therapy,” explained Dr. Luque. “As the youngest patient in the hospital, he initially faced challenges in connecting with his peers, but he has not caused any conflicts.”
According to reports, Óscar has no family and has lived in care homes since a young age, leaving him with no external support beyond the hospital. “without the SUS coverage, this patient woudl have no means to continue his psychopharmacological treatment,” Dr. Luque emphasized.
Dr. Luque concluded by stressing the importance of differentiating between organic, psychotic, and neurotic pathologies. “Recovery is frequently enough limited in cases of organic or psychotic diseases. Psychiatric illness requires lifelong treatment,not a cure.”
