Analysis of intersectoral interdisciplinary approach to mental health of civil servants in Аsia and the Middle East countries

  • Oleg Yegorovich Vashev Private Higher Educational Institution "Kharkiv International Medical University" 38, Molochna St., Kharkiv, 61001, Ukrain https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2496-240X
  • Natalia Viktorivna Kramar V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Sq., Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine
Keywords: mental health, civil servants, public administration, public policy, intersectoral approach, coun-tries of Asia and the Middle East, mental health, civil servants, public administration, public policy, intersectoral approach, coun-tries of Asia and the Middle East

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of intersectoral and interdisciplinary approaches to ensuring the mental health of civil servants in seven countries of Asia and the Middle East: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Israel and China. The study is based on a systematic analysis of national strategies and policies in the field of mental health, relevant legislation, as well as support programs for civil servants, including programs for the prevention of professional burnout, psycho-emotional stress, as well as crisis and military situations. Special attention is paid to mechanisms of interagency interaction that ensure coordination of actions of different sectors of state administration, medical institutions, psychological services and public organizations involved in the formation and implementation of mental health policy.

As a result, three basic models of intersectoral cooperation in the mental health policy of civil servants were identified: a model of centralized mandate (China, Singapore), which is characterized by directive management, clear protocols and rapid mobilization of resources; a model of integrated legal regulation (Japan, Hong Kong), which is based on legal norms, quality standards and a multi-level system of services; a fragmented and evolving model (South Korea, Israel), where programs are often departmental or pilot in nature and require coordination at the state policy level. The case of Taiwan is separately evaluated as an example of institutional strengthening of services with a focus on the availability of support and tools for preventing professional burnout. The study also identifies key drivers of policy formation in the field of mental health of civil servants, including professional stress, high levels of suicidal behavior, the consequences of military conflicts, socio-economic and crisis factors. Based on the analysis of international experience, practical recommendations have been formulated for the implementation of an intersectoral approach in the public administration system, in particular, for the development of integrated strategies, increasing the competence of civil servants in the field of psycho-emotional self-support, creating interdepartmental information exchange platforms, and implementing mental health monitoring standards at the state level.

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Author Biographies

Oleg Yegorovich Vashev, Private Higher Educational Institution "Kharkiv International Medical University" 38, Molochna St., Kharkiv, 61001, Ukrain

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Professionally Oriented Disciplines

Natalia Viktorivna Kramar, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Sq., Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine

Director of the Center for Mental Health

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Published
2026-05-30
Section
World Experience of Public Administration: Theory and Practice