Table 3.

Evaluation of policy option 3

Option 3
Cost benefit analysis
Additional costs will include funding to strengthen the existing program and its implementation and to establish a new ‘maternal’ component requiring recruitment of staff, training, and procurement of suitable pharmaceuticals
Administrative feasibility
This may be a time-consuming alternative as it requires improving the existing program before establishing maternal units with additional drug lists and safe procedures approved for pregnant women
Human resources
Recruitment of health care workers specializing in maternal care and additional human resources to manage the (expected) surge in patients will be required to sustain a maternal component in the mental health program
Sustainability
This policy option will be sustainable if budget allocation is adequate. It will be necessary to strengthen program components including reporting systems and recruitment of trained health care workers and staff