Mental healthcare in India has emerged as a pressing concern, with the government pledging to provide universal and affordable mental healthcare on World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10. In light of this commitment, this article explores the landscape of mental health policy and accessibility in the country, addressing the challenges, initiatives, and the treatment gap in mental healthcare.
Key Highlights:
- Mental disorders affect one in eight people globally, and India is a significant contributor to this global burden.
- The National Mental Health Survey reported that 150 million adults in India require access to mental health services, but a vast majority cannot access treatment.
- A study published in Lancet Psychiatry indicated that one in seven Indians (197 million) had mental disorders, with an alarming 83% treatment gap.
- The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the mental health crisis, prompting a parliamentary Standing Committee to call for strengthened mental health facilities at primary and secondary levels.
- India has made significant policy efforts, including the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 and the National Mental Health Programme, to improve mental healthcare accessibility and quality.
- Despite these initiatives, the mental health program faces criticisms for its limited impact due to a lack of trained professionals, financial constraints, and poor coordination.
- Accessibility to mental healthcare remains a challenge in India, with a severe shortage of mental health professionals, leading to a substantial treatment gap.
- The cost of mental healthcare is a significant barrier, pushing around 20% of Indian families into poverty, and therapy costs in urban areas can be prohibitive.
Mental Healthcare in India: A Complex Landscape
Mental health has long been a global concern, with the World Health Organization stating that one in eight individuals worldwide is affected by mental disorders. India plays a substantial role in this global issue, as underscored by the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) of 2015-2016. The NMHS report revealed a staggering figure: 150 million adults in India are in need of mental health services, yet the majority are unable to access them.
A study published in Lancet Psychiatry underscored that the contribution of mental disorders to India’s total disease burden doubled between 1990 and 2017. The study estimated that 197 million Indians were grappling with varying degrees of mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, with a glaring 83% treatment gap. The COVID-19 pandemic further compounded the crisis, adversely affecting the psychological and social well-being of many.
Recognizing the mounting burden, a parliamentary Standing Committee called for an overhaul of mental healthcare facilities at primary and secondary levels to enhance overall accessibility. It noted that the high treatment gap was primarily attributed to a shortage of mental health professionals, inadequate infrastructure, and stigma.
Government Initiatives in Mental Healthcare
India’s approach to mental healthcare has evolved over the years, primarily through the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), initiated in 1982. This program aimed to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare centers, empowering primary and community health workers to address mental disorders.
The NMHP was later restructured into the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) to decentralize care, with districts serving as the main units for its implementation. The program encompassed a range of mental health services, including assessments, counseling, interventions, and medication.
In 2014, India introduced its first national mental health policy, emphasizing accessible and holistic mental healthcare. The policy also advocated for the decriminalization of attempted suicide, marking a significant step forward.
A groundbreaking moment arrived in the form of the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, which prioritized community living for mental health patients and placed responsibilities on various stakeholders to safeguard the independence and self-respect of individuals coping with mental health conditions..
The Challenges in Mental Healthcare Accessibility
Despite these commendable efforts, the impact of mental health programs in India remains limited. Critics argue that factors such as a shortage of trained health workers, financial constraints, and poor coordination have hindered the program’s effectiveness. Some view the DMHP as a “heroic struggle against overwhelming odds” while others label it as an “abject failure.”
Accessibility to mental healthcare remains a significant challenge, with India facing a dire shortage of mental health professionals. The stark statistic of just 0.75 psychiatrists per lakh people reveals the magnitude of the problem. An additional 27,000 psychiatrists are needed to reach the goal of three psychiatrists per lakh people.
Financial constraints are another formidable barrier, with the cost of mental healthcare pushing around 20% of Indian families into poverty. While the government subsidizes mental healthcare in public hospitals and health centers, the financial burden remains substantial due to multiple visits, medication costs, and transportation expenses.
You may find this useful:
Prodentim Review: A Powerful Dental Health Product
Alpilean Reviews 2023: Know The Truth About Alpilean Pills
Urban areas, in particular, face the challenge of high therapy costs, forcing many to abandon treatment. The financial impact is significant, as individuals may spend thousands of rupees on therapy each month, affecting their budgets and savings.
In conclusion, while India has made significant strides in its mental healthcare policy, accessibility, affordability, and the shortage of mental health professionals remain substantial challenges. Addressing these issues is crucial to bridging the treatment gap and ensuring that individuals receive the mental healthcare they need.
