Mental health is now a key focus for India’s health system, with new programs and digital tools pushing mental care to every corner of the country.
Recent data show that 10.6 % of adults in India—about 11 in 100—live with a diagnosable mental disorder. Women are twice as likely to suffer from conditions such as depression, anxiety and somatic symptoms, with 20 % of women affected compared with 10 % of men.
India’s suicide statistics paint an urgent picture. The 2023 National Crime Records Bureau report recorded 171,418 suicides. Men accounted for 72.8 % while women represented 27.2 %. These numbers underscore the pressing need for better mental health support.
To tackle these challenges, the government has added mental health services to primary care under the Ayushman Bharat programme. Over 175,000 Sub‑Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been upgraded to “Ayushman Arogya Mandirs,” where mental health consultations are now a routine part of care.
Through Ayushman Bharat’s Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM‑JAY), families can receive up to ₹5 lakh of coverage for mental illnesses. Between FY 2021‑22 and FY 2023‑24, more than 135,000 admissions were authorised, totaling ₹120.19 crore in payouts.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of accessible support. In 2020, the Ministry of Health launched a 24/7 national helpline (080‑4611‑0007) offering counselling and psychosocial care for those struggling with stress and anxiety.
India’s next steps involve boosting awareness, training more mental‑health professionals, and expanding digital solutions like Tele MANAS. By putting mental health at the heart of primary care and technology, the country is working to build a healthier, more resilient society.
Source: ianslive
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