Why in News: WHO reports highlight that over 1 billion people live with mental health disorders, with slow progress in reducing suicide rates and major gaps in funding, workforce, and community-based care globally.
Introduction
- The WHO’s latest reports (World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024) reveal that over 1 billion people live with mental health disorders, making it one of the most pressing public health challenges.
WHO Highlights on Mental Health
- Burden: Second leading cause of long-term disability globally.
- Prevalence: Anxiety and depression most common; women disproportionately affected.
- Suicide: 7,27,000 deaths in 2021; progress too slow to meet SDG target (only 12% reduction vs. 33% goal by 2030).
- Economic cost: Depression & anxiety alone cost $1 trillion annually.
How Countries are Responding
- Many have bolstered policies, preparedness, and rights-based approaches.
- 71% integrating mental health into primary care (meeting at least 3 of 5 WHO criteria).
- National awareness campaigns and digital tools expanding.
- Slow transition to community-based care models (<10% countries fully shifted).
Gaps in Current Care Models
- Low investment: Median govt spending stagnant at 2% of health budgets since 2017.
- Inequity: High-income spend $65/person vs. $0.04 in low-income states.
- Workforce shortage: Global median 13 workers per 100,000; many countries rely on psychiatric hospitals.
- Rights framework: Only 45% laws fully comply with international standards.
- Service gap: <10% of patients in low-income nations get care.
India’s Status
- Challenges: Stigma, reluctance to seek help, shortage of professionals (0.7 psychiatrists per 100,000 vs. WHO norm of 3).
- Progress: Expansion of National Tele-Mental Health Programme, increased infrastructure, awareness campaigns.
- Funding: Allocation stagnant at ~₹1,000 crore (FY 2025-26: ₹1,004 crore).
- Concerns: Limited funding for community-based care, ineffective utilisation.
Conclusion
WHO underscores that transforming mental health systems is vital for sustainable development. India has initiated structural reforms, but persistent underfunding, workforce shortages, and social stigma remain critical barriers to achieving universal mental well-being.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 2 – Issues relating to Health, Education & Human Resources
- Global health governance (WHO findings).
Mains Practice Question
Q. The WHO highlights mental health as one of the most pressing global public health challenges. Critically examine the gaps in current care models worldwide and evaluate India’s progress and challenges in addressing mental health disorders. (250 words)