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Picture Courtesy:  PIB

Context

Despite policy advancements, providing adequate mental healthcare to India’s large population remains a complex challenge.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is an individual's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting thought, feeling, behavior, decision-making, stress management, and relationships.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being where individuals can cope with life's stresses, realize their abilities, learn, work, and contribute to their community.

Poor mental health harms work performance, increasing absence and lowering efficiency. It also negatively impacts relationships, self-confidence, and social interactions.

Mental Health Scenario in India

The burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population; the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100000 population is 21.1. (Source: WHO)

The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at $1.03 trillion. (Source: WHO)

The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 by NIMHANS found that 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders. The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in India is 13.7%.

Around 15% of India’s adult population experiences mental health issues requiring intervention. Urban areas have a higher prevalence (13.5%) compared to rural (6.9%). (Source: PIB) 

India's Legislative and Policy Framework

National Mental Health Policy (2014) 

Advocated a rights-based, participatory approach, advocating for comprehensive care, increased resource allocation, and integration into general healthcare.

Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA) 2017 

• Right to Access Care: Ensures affordable, quality, and accessible mental healthcare from government services without discrimination.
• Decriminalization of Suicide: Presumes mental illness in individuals attempting suicide, focusing on rehabilitation.
• Prohibition of Inhuman Treatment: Bans electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) for minors and mandates its use only with muscle relaxants and anesthesia for adults in emergencies.  
• Equality in Insurance: Mandates equal medical insurance coverage for mental and physical ailments.
• Right to Community Living and Confidentiality: Upholds the right to dignity, protection from cruel treatment, community living, and confidentiality of medical records.

Government Initiatives and Programs 

National Mental Health Program (NMHP)

Established in 1982 and revamped in 2003, it focuses on promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. 

The District Mental Health Program (DMHP), operates in 767 districts, integrating mental health services into public health and training medical officers.  

National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS)

Launched in 2022, it provides free, 24/7 mental health support via a national toll-free helpline in 20 languages. The Tele-MANAS app was launched in 2024.

Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)

As of February 2025, over 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres have been upgraded into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, integrating mental health services into primary healthcare.(Source: PIB)  

National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS)

Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2022, to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030 through early intervention, crisis management, and mental health promotion.

Challenges in Mental Healthcare in India

Shortage of Professionals

According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, whereas WHO recommends at least 3 per 100,000.

Inadequate Funding

The Union Budget 2024-25 allocated only ₹90 crore for Tele-MANAS, with mental health receiving just over 1% of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's budget.

High Treatment Gap

Individuals with mental disorders in India do not receive appropriate treatment due to lack of awareness, stigma, accessibility, and affordability. The National Mental Health Survey 2015-16 reported an 83% treatment gap. 

Persistent Stigma and Lack of Awareness

Social stigma, misunderstanding, and dismissal of mental health issues as weakness create barriers to seeking help, leading to discrimination and isolation.

Infrastructure Deficits and Urban-Rural Disparity

Mental health services are concentrated in urban areas, leaving vast rural populations with limited or no access to care.  

Way Forward to build a mentally healthier India

Increase Budgetary Allocation

Increase public health spending on mental health, prioritizing district and community-level services as per the Mental Healthcare Act 2017.

Strengthen Workforce and Infrastructure

Expand mental health training for professionals, integrate modules into medical education, and build rural facilities, utilizing digital platforms like Tele-MANAS.

Intensify Awareness and Anti-Stigma Campaigns

National, culturally sensitive campaigns to destigmatize mental illness and promote mental health literacy across all settings, from schools to workplaces.

Integrate Mental Health into Primary Healthcare

Integrate mental health services into all Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, ensuring general physicians are trained to identify and manage common mental disorders.

Utilize Technology and Digital Solutions

Enhance and expand digital platforms like Tele-MANAS, exploring AI-driven diagnostic tools and tele-consultation services.

Promote Research and Data Collection

Invest in comprehensive research on the evolving mental health landscape and establish robust data collection mechanisms.

Foster Multi-sectoral Collaboration

Encourage collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, private healthcare providers, educational institutions, and local communities.

Conclusion

India's mental healthcare progress, marked by the 2017 Act and Tele-MANAS, still faces challenges like stigma and resource shortages, requiring strategic investment, a "whole-of-society" approach to ensure accessible mental well-being for all citizens.

Source: PIB