The Ministry of Health says China currently has about 16 million people with severe mental disorders, but only about 20,000 registered psychiatrists.
Given that the number of mental health institutions and doctors lags far behind the need, lawmakers suggest increased government's spending on mental health, including raising workers' payment.
The Beijing Huilongguan Hospital is a leading public mental institution in the capital.
Deputy director Wang Shaoli says their income is relatively low compared to other hospitals.
"As far as I know, among the 21 hospitals directly under the Administration of Hospitals of Beijing, including general hospitals and specialized hospitals, the income of our employees is the lowest."
Currently, the allowance for medical care providers in mental institutions in B
