Published on 13 Feb 2025
In India, as per National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences data, more than 80% of people do not access mental care services due to a multitude of reasons, ranging from lack of knowledge, stigma and high cost of care.
Issues associated with mental healthcare in India
✔ Limited Accessibility: Shortage of mental health professionals in the country, with the shortage even more visible in the rural areas.
● Example: According to WHO, India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per one lakh population, while the desirable number is 3 psychiatrists per one lakh.
✔ Stigma and Lack of awareness: Mental health issues in India are often stigmatised and misunderstood thus many individuals hesitate to seek help due to fear of societal discrimination and lack of awareness about mental health conditions.
● Example: Only 10% of mental patients take treatment in India, while it is 82% in South Korea. (IndiaSpend and WHO Study)
✔ Gender disparity: Women in India may face higher rates of depression, anxiety and domestic violence, and they often have limited sources in seeking help.
● Example: According to the recent report of NCRB, housewives constituted more than 50% of female suicides in India in 2021.
✔ Cyberbullying and harassment: Online platforms can negatively impact the mental health of individuals, especially among vulnerable populations like adolescents.
● Example: LGBTQ+ youth experiences bullying, discrimination and rejection based on sexual orientation or gender identity can be a contributing factor to mental health struggles.
✔ Limited government funding: The health budget in India is low, and it mostly targets more popular schemes, with little left for mental health care.
● Example: According to the Union Budget for Mental Health 2023-2024, the budget estimate for mental health is just above 1% of the budget estimate of the MoHFW.
✔ Poor mental care for teenagers: Children, especially teenagers, are stressed with their academic expectations, with less focus on counselling sessions to relax their mind.
● Example: According to UNICEF, 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14. During this period, children must be taught to handle stress and anxiety for good mental health.
Government Initiatives to provide mental healthcare
✔ National Mental Health Programme: To improve the status of mental health in India - treatment of the mentally ill, rehabilitation, prevention and promotion of positive mental health.
✔ Central and State Mental Health Authorities: For the regulation and coordination of mental health services in India.
✔ KIRAN helpline: A 24/7 toll-free helpline, provides support to people facing anxiety, stress, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health concerns.
✔ RAAH app: A mobile application, provides free information to the public on mental health professionals and mental healthcare centres.
✔ Manodarpan initiative: Provides psychosocial support for people during the times of Covid-19.
✔ MANAS app: Promote the mental well-being of Indian citizens.
Way forward
✔ Increased mental healthcare infrastructure: Invest in building more mental health clinics and recruit professionals in this area, especially in rural areas.
✔ Inclusion of mental health in education: Need to incorporate mental health education into school curricula to promote early awareness and de-stigmatisation.
✔ Integration with primary healthcare: It helps to improve accessibility, ensure early detection and intervention.
✔ Telemedicine and technology: Develop mental health apps and online resources for self-help and support.
✔ Community based intervention: To raise awareness, provide support and involve community leaders, NGOs and grassroots organisations in mental health initiatives.
✔ Implement workplace mental health programs: Helps to support mental health within the workplace.
Implementing these strategies requires sustained commitment, collaboration and advocacy from various sectors. By addressing mental health comprehensively and inclusively, India can work toward building a more supportive and resilient mental healthcare system for its diverse population.
Social Justice
Mental Health care
National Mental Health Programme
Manodarpan initiative
MANAS app
General Studies Paper 2
Social Justice
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