Almost eight years ago, the government of India conducted a survey which found the prevalence of mental disorders including common mental disorders, severe mental disorders and substance use disorders (excluding tobacco use disorder) in adults over the age of 18 years to be about 10.6%.
Mental disorders are basically and undeniable to a large extent curable. What makes the challenge more difficult is stereotypes and prejudice such people face purely as a result from misconceptions about mental illness. As a result, people with mental illness are robbed of the opportunities that define a quality life—good jobs, satisfactory health care, and association with a diverse group of people.
Even in familial and societal setups where mental illnesses are recognised as bonafide problems, there is a taboo around seeking treatment. And a large section of people believe that seeking expert help, even if it is available, is not really needed. This mindset needs a change for a better future.
For providing affordable and accessible mental healthcare facilities in the country, the Government informed parliament recently that it is implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in the country. The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) component of the NMHP has been sanctioned for implementation in 738 districts for which support is provided to States/UTs through the National Health Mission. Facilities made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre(CHC) and Primary Health Centre(PHC) levels, include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc, the government said.
In addition, there is a provision of 10 bedded in-patient facility at the District level. To provide specialized care for mental health patients under the tertiary care component of NMHP, 25 Centres of Excellence have been sanctioned in the Central and State Government Mental Health Institutions and Medical Colleges to increase the intake of students in PG departments in mental health specialities as well as to provide tertiary level treatment facilities.
Further, the Government has also supported 19 Government medical colleges/institutions in various States to strengthen 47 PG Departments in mental health specialties. Mental Health Services are also provisioned for 22 AIIMS. These services are also available under PMJAY.
Besides, the Government has launched a “National Tele Mental Health Programme” on 10th October last year, to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country. As on 18 July this year, 31 States/ UTs have set up 42 Tele MANAS Cells and have started tele mental health services. Continuous efforts are needed for better mental health care.
