PrintFriendlyOn 3rd December 2024, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda updated the Rajya Sabha about the government’s significant efforts in addressing mental health, a topic that has sparked much-needed discussion about the Modi government’s initiatives. The Modi era marked a significant turning point in India’s approach to mental health, with increased focus on addressing mental health challenges and integrating mental health care into mainstream healthcare policies. Prior to the Modi government’s initiatives, mental health in India had largely been neglected, and stigma surrounding mental illnesses was widespread. However, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there was a shift towards recognizing mental health as a critical area of concern.
Mental health has historically been the most neglected aspect of public health in India, overshadowed by the pressing demands of communicable diseases and infrastructural gaps. For decades since independence, successive Congress-led governments, from Nehru to Manmohan Singh, failed to prioritize public health as a critical component of nation-building. However, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, healthcare has finally taken center stage, with revolutionary reforms aimed at integrating it into primary healthcare and making services accessible, affordable, and equitable for all. Let’s explore this in greater detail.
Understanding Mental Health and Its Importance
Mental health in India remains a deeply misunderstood and stigmatized subject. Despite approximately 14% of Indians requiring active mental health intervention, the National Mental Health Survey (2015-16) found that nearly 80% of those with mental health issues do not seek help due to societal stigma, lack of awareness, or limited access to care. This stigma stems from cultural perceptions that often dismiss mental health conditions as signs of personal weakness or spiritual deficiency rather than treatable medical issues
Mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness; it encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and behave. A healthy mind is foundational to productive lives, harmonious societies, and a thriving economy. Mental health issues, if unaddressed, can lead to societal challenges like crime, unemployment, substance abuse, and weakened family systems. For a country like India, which aspires to achieve developed nation status by 2047, mental health cannot be ignored. A population plagued by mental health challenges will find it difficult to innovate, compete, and sustain its economic momentum. It is imperative to integrate mental health into the national public health framework.
India’s Mental Health Landscape:
India faces a significant mental health crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 7.5% of India’s population suffers from mental disorders. The National Mental Health Survey (2015-16) revealed that nearly 15% of Indian adults need active mental health interventions, yet mental health remains stigmatized and underfunded. Shockingly, the country has less than one psychiatrist per 100,000 people, compared to the WHO recommendation of three per 100,000. The treatment gap for mental disorders in India ranges between 70-92%, and economic losses due to mental health conditions were estimated at a staggering $1.03 trillion between 2012 and 2030 (World Economic Forum). Such alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for robust policies and infrastructure to address mental health.
U.S. spends over $238 billion annually on mental health, with around 12 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. Similarly, Europe boasts a well-developed mental health system, with countries like Germany offering over 18 psychiatric beds per 10,000 people. Meanwhile, China, Mental health awareness has grown since its first mental health law in 2013. However, with an estimated 160 million individuals needing mental health care, China has about 1.7 psychiatric beds per 10,000 people.
The Mental Healthcare Act 2017: A turning Point
Under Modi’s leadership, the government took a significant step toward addressing mental health issues. The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, was introduced during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, playing a pivotal role in its formulation and introduction. The Act was passed by the Indian Parliament and came into effect in May 2018.
One of the most positive aspects of the Act is that it recognizes mental illness as a human rights issue, ensuring that individuals with mental health conditions are not treated as outcasts but are entitled to care, treatment, and protection under the law. The Act mandates that mental health care services must be available to all, regardless of their socio-economic status, by integrating mental health into the public health system and ensuring services are available at all levels. It also emphasizes the decriminalization of suicide and promotes a compassionate, rehabilitative approach to mental health. The Act ensures the right to access mental health care, mandates the establishment of mental health review boards, and guarantees informed consent before treatment, empowering patients. Furthermore, the Act calls for the promotion of mental health education and training of professionals, contributing to a more informed and supportive healthcare environment.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services Under Ayushman Bharat
The inclusion of mental health services under the umbrella of comprehensive primary healthcare through Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers, now known as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, is a groundbreaking step. The government has successfully upgraded over 1.73 lakh sub-health centers (SHCs) and primary health centers (PHCs) into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, ensuring mental health services are available at the grassroots level.
These centers now offer a range of mental health services, including outpatient consultations, psycho-social interventions, assessment, counseling, continuing care, and access to essential medicines. This approach ensures early detection and management of mental illnesses, reducing the stigma and barriers associated with mental healthcare.
District Mental Health Programme (DMHP): Bridging Gaps at the Local Level
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), implemented across 767 districts, has significantly strengthened India’s mental health framework by extending services to community health centers (CHCs) and primary health centers (PHCs). It provides a robust network of care, offering essential services such as outpatient care, psycho-social counseling, outreach programs, and ambulance services. This comprehensive approach ensures that mental health interventions reach underserved and vulnerable populations, fostering a holistic model of well-being.
National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP): A Digital Revolution
Launched on October 10, 2022, the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) represents a digital leap in mental healthcare. The government has allocated 120.98 crore, 133.73 crore, and 90 crore for NTMHP in the financial years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25, respectively. With a toll-free helpline (14416) operational across the country, this program offers 24×7 tele-counseling services in 20 languages, ensuring accessibility to all. As of November 2024, 53 Tele-MANAS Cells have been set up across 36 states and Union Territories, handling over 15.95 lakh calls. The Tele-MANAS mobile application, launched on World Mental Health Day 2024, provides a platform for addressing mental health concerns, ranging from well-being to disorders to severe disorders, reflecting the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for healthcare access.
Strengthening Tertiary Care and Human Resources
To strengthen tertiary mental healthcare, the government has sanctioned 25 Centers of Excellence and supported the establishment or enhancement of 47 postgraduate (PG) departments in mental health specialties across 19 government medical colleges. Recognizing the acute need for trained professionals, it has revised postgraduate requirements to ease entry into MD (Psychiatry) courses, introduced incentives for psychiatrists and specialists to practice in rural and remote areas, and established digital academies at premier mental health institutes. These academies have trained over 42,488 professionals since 2018, addressing the shortage of mental health professionals and ensuring that quality care is accessible even in underserved regions.
Efforts to expand the mental health workforce include incentivizing specialists to work in rural areas and offering online training through Digital Academies at premier institutes like NIMHANS, Bengaluru; Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Assam; and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi. Since its establishment in 2018, these academies have trained 42,488 professionals.
Mental Health & Wellness for Efficient Workforce:
A survey conducted by Global Insurance Brokers highlighted that 46% of Indian firms believe they need better mental health support for their employees. This recognition comes amid growing concerns over escalating hospital bills, which have outpaced revenue growth and wage increases, exacerbating financial challenges for businesses. Further research shows that workplace stress in India is often driven by long hours, poor work-life balance, and excessive self-imposed pressure to meet societal and professional expectations.
The Modi government has made significant strides to address mental health in workplaces through policies that promote mental well-being. The Mental Health Care Act of 2017, for example, mandates mental health protections for employees, making it illegal for employers to discriminate against individuals with mental health conditions. Moreover, the introduction of initiatives like the National Mental Health Programme and integration of mental health into public health policies signal a broader commitment to improving mental health support across various sectors.
By prioritizing mental health, these efforts can improve job satisfaction, productivity, and overall work efficiency. A healthier workforce is not only more engaged but also less prone to absenteeism and turnover, ultimately benefiting the organization’s performance. The government’s push for corporate responsibility in mental health and the gradual shift in workplace culture to recognize and address mental health issues is crucial for fostering a more resilient and effective workforce.
The Modi government’s multi-pronged approach to mental health is laying a strong foundation for a healthier and more productive India. Key outcomes include improved access to mental healthcare through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Tele-MANAS, integration of mental health into primary healthcare to reduce stigma and enhance early intervention, and the development of a skilled mental health workforce to bridge the treatment gap. However, challenges such as the significant treatment gap for mental illnesses and societal stigma persist, preventing many from seeking help. To address these, the government must continue expanding initiatives, enhancing awareness campaigns, and fostering public-private partnerships to create a more inclusive mental health ecosystem.
As India strives to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, mental health must remain a central pillar of public health policy. A mentally healthy population will lead to increased productivity, reduced social strife, and stronger family systems. While the Modi government has taken unprecedented steps to build a robust mental health ecosystem, the road ahead requires more professionals, sustained awareness efforts, and increased investments, alongside collaboration with the private sector, NGOs, and academia, to establish a comprehensive mental health strategy.
The Modi government’s efforts in mental health mark a paradigm shift in India’s healthcare policy. From grassroots interventions to leveraging digital platforms and bolstering tertiary care, these reforms underscore the government’s commitment to holistic well-being. As India strides toward becoming a developed nation, mental health must remain a priority. By addressing this critical issue, the Modi government is not just improving individual lives but also fortifying the nation’s socio-economic fabric. This is the dawn of a healthier, more resilient India, where every citizen’s mental well-being is safeguarded.
India is on the right track, and with sustained focus, we can ensure that mental health becomes a cornerstone of our journey to becoming a developed nation. After decades of neglect, the Modi government has finally given mental health the priority it deserves, proving once again that India is on the cusp of a new era of progress.
Sources:
- PIB,
- Rajya Sabha,
- Ministry of Health
- Other Sources have already been given in line