India is strengthening its mental healthcare system with a renewed policy focus on access, equity, and early intervention. The expansion of national institutions like NIMHANS, the rollout of tele-mental health services such as Tele-MANAS, and integration of mental health into primary healthcare reflect a shift toward treating mental health as a core public health priority. These efforts aim to reduce the large treatment gap, address regional disparities, tackle stigma, and build a stronger mental health workforce, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations.
Click to View MoreIndia’s mental health crisis stems from a treatment gap, too few professionals, and strong stigma. Policies like the 2017 Act and Tele-MANAS help, but funding and implementation remain weak. India must strengthen primary care, expand its workforce, and normalize help-seeking to protect public health and equity.
Click to View MoreAI mental health tools improve access and affordability but create serious risks. Data privacy, bias and the absence of human empathy can harm vulnerable users. India must enforce strong rules like the DPDP Act and ensure a human-in-the-loop model so AI supports, not replaces, real care.
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