Syllabus: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Context: Rising Mental Health Concerns
- Economic Survey highlighted rising digital addiction and screen-linked mental health disorders.
- Children and adolescents are increasingly vulnerable to psychological stress.
- Union Budget proposed measures to strengthen mental healthcare infrastructure.
Budgetary and Institutional Announcements
- Government announced a second NIMHANS institute in north India.
- Aim is to expand advanced mental healthcare and research capacity.
- Premier mental health institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur will be upgraded.
- Focus is on improving regional access to specialised treatment.
India’s Mental Health Burden
- India accounts for nearly one-third of global suicides, depression, and addiction cases.
- Suicide is a leading cause of death among 15–29 age group.
- WHO estimates economic loss of $1.03 trillion (2012–2030) due to mental illness.
- Around 70–92% patients lack access to proper treatment.
- Causes include stigma, low awareness, and professional shortages.
- India has 0.75 psychiatrists per lakh population.
- WHO recommends minimum three psychiatrists per lakh.
Infrastructure and Service Expansion
- Mental health services integrated into Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres.
- Over 1.73 lakh centres upgraded into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
- Comprehensive primary mental healthcare services now included.
- Government sanctioned 20 Centres of Excellence for training.
- Total 47 postgraduate mental health departments established.
Tele-Mental Health Initiatives
- Tele MANAS provides 24×7 free tele-mental health support.
- Accessible through toll-free helplines nationwide.
- Operational across 36 States/UTs with 53 cells.
- Supported by 23 mentoring institutes.
Budgetary Allocation Trends and Gaps
- Allocation rose from ₹683 crore (2020-21) to ₹1,898 crore (2024-25).
- Still less than 2% of health budget.
- Health spending itself remains near 2% of GDP.
- Funds largely flow to tertiary institutions, not grassroots services.
- Experts highlight under-utilisation of allocated funds.
Systemic Challenges
- Access gap estimated at nearly 95%.
- Shortage of trained mental health professionals persists.
- Specialist-centric model prioritises cure over prevention.
- Affordable, continuous care remains limited.
Way Forward Measures
- Government promoting whole-of-community approach to mental wellness.
- Mental health integration planned in school education.
- Workplace stress and burnout policies being strengthened.