India has expanded its mental healthcare framework through the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), with specific attention to postpartum mothers. The system combines district-level services, primary healthcare strengthening, tertiary care support and tele-mental health access. The Government has also stated that postpartum depression is screened through routine maternal health visits, although central data on cases is not maintained.
District and Primary Care Support
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is being implemented in 767 districts with support through the National Health Mission. It provides outpatient services, counselling, psycho-social interventions, continuing care, medicines, outreach support and ambulance services. A 10-bedded in-patient facility is also provided at district level. Mental health services have been integrated into Comprehensive Primary Health Care at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. More than 1.83 lakh Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres have been upgraded to these facilities. Operational guidelines and training manuals for mental, neurological and substance use disorders have been issued for frontline health workers.
Maternal Mental Health Screening
Postpartum mothers are assessed during home visits by Auxiliary Nurse Midwives and Accredited Social Health Activists. After discharge from a health facility, six postnatal home visits are conducted to ensure maternal and child care. These visits include screening for postpartum depression and referral when required. This process is linked with Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan and Extended-PMSMA. Under the optimisation of postnatal care scheme, ASHAs receive incentives for timely management and follow-up.
Tertiary Care and Specialist Institutions
Under the tertiary care component of NMHP, 25 Centres of Excellence have been sanctioned to expand postgraduate intake in mental health specialties and improve treatment facilities. The Government has also supported 19 medical colleges and institutions to strengthen 47 postgraduate departments in mental health specialties. There are 47 Government-run mental hospitals, including NIMHANS Bengaluru, LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health Tezpur and Central Institute of Psychiatry Ranchi. Mental health services are also available in all AIIMS.
Tele-Mental Health Expansion
The National Tele Mental Health Programme was launched on 10 October 2022 to improve access to counselling and care. As on 3 March 2026, 36 States and Union Territories had set up 53 Tele MANAS cells. Around 34.34 lakh calls have been handled on the helpline. The Tele-MANAS mobile application was launched on World Mental Health Day 2024. It offers support for issues ranging from well-being concerns to mental disorders. Video consultation has also been added to the platform.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026