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In a significant step towards improving mental health services across the country, the Indian government has announced a series of new initiatives under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP). This comprehensive effort aims to address mental health issues more effectively by expanding services at various levels of care.
Expansion of District Mental Health Programme
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) component of NMHP has been sanctioned for implementation in 767 districts. This program is designed to provide a wide range of services, including suicide prevention, workplace stress management, and life skills training. Facilities at District Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) will offer outpatient services, assessment, counseling, psycho-social interventions, and support for severe mental disorders. Additionally, a 10-bedded in-patient facility will be available at the district level to cater to acute cases.
Strengthening Tertiary Care Facilities
To bolster the tertiary care component of NMHP, the government has approved the establishment of 25 Centres of Excellence. These centers are aimed at increasing the intake of students into postgraduate departments specializing in mental health and providing advanced treatment facilities. Furthermore, the government is supporting the establishment and strengthening of 47 postgraduate departments in mental health specialties across 19 government medical colleges and institutions. Mental health services will also be available at 22 new AIIMS facilities.
Upgradation of Primary Healthcare Services
The government is also enhancing mental healthcare services at the primary level. More than 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, incorporating mental health services into their Comprehensive Primary Health Care packages.
Tele Mental Health Services
In response to the growing need for accessible mental health care, the government launched the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) on October 10, 2022. As of July 23, 2024, 36 states and Union Territories have established 53 Tele MANAS Cells. These cells have managed over 1.17 million calls on their helplines, providing essential mental health support through tele-counseling.
National Mental Health Survey
The government’s initiatives are informed by data from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), conducted in 2016 by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru. The survey revealed a prevalence rate of 10.6% for mental disorders among adults over the age of 18 years.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted these advancements in a recent Lok Sabha session, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing mental healthcare services across India. These efforts mark a crucial step towards a more robust and inclusive mental health care system, aiming to provide support and treatment to those in need more effectively and efficiently.
