This analysis considers whether the independence of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), while safeguarding guidelines from commercial lobbying, may render NICE legally and scientifically unaccountable. The analysis examines the role of judicial reviews and stakeholder consultations in place of peer review in light of current debates concerning the depression guideline.

The Czech Republic is a country in transition, and its historical sociopolitical isolationism lingers to this day, with restrictive attitudes towards immigrants. International collaborations among transcultural psychiatrists and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) could help increase awareness of the service needs of immigrants and improve access to mental healthcare. A lack of state and academic interest persists despite the increasing importance of the issue. These neglected problems burden NGOs that have limited financial and staffing resources. Legislation on the humanitarian needs of immigrants must enhance the efforts of NGOs, and psychiatrists may serve as liaisons to effect the necessary change.