The Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare recently presented its comprehensive report on ‘Mental Health Care and Its Management in Contemporary Times’ in the Parliament. This report sheds light on the critical issues surrounding mental health in India, emphasizing the need for immediate attention and reform.
Major Highlights of the Report
- Definition of Mental Health: The report defines mental health as a state of well-being that enables individuals to effectively cope with life’s stress.
- State of Mental Health in India: The report highlights the alarming rise in mental health-related issues in India. The country grapples with insufficient staff, medical infrastructure, and budgetary allocation. Currently, India only has 0.75 psychiatrists per lakh people, significantly lower than the recommended three psychiatrists per lakh people. To meet this standard, India needs an additional 27,000 psychiatrists.
- Global Scenario: The report draws attention to the global economic losses attributed to poor mental health, which were estimated at $2.5 trillion annually in 2010. This figure is projected to soar to $6 trillion by 2030, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of neglecting mental health.
- Budgetary Allocation: Out of the total Budget Estimate (BE) for the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (₹ 89,155 crore), allocations for mental health are notably low. Key institutions such as the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, and the National Tele-Mental Health Programme receive insufficient funding, hindering progress in care and research.
Recommendations
The Committee’s recommendations are crucial steps towards addressing India’s mental health crisis:
- Increase the number of seats for MD Psychiatry courses to train more mental health professionals.
- Develop evidence-based interventions, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, to bolster mental health infrastructure and policies.
- Bridge the treatment gap by ensuring essential medicines is readily available for mental health issues.
- Leverage wellness clinics and tele-medicine networks to reach a broader population in need.
Causes of Mental Illness
The report identifies various factors contributing to mental illness, including exposure to unfavorable social, economic, geopolitical, and environmental conditions. The pandemic-induced lockdowns and uncertainties have further exacerbated mental health concerns. Early adverse life experiences, substance abuse, feelings of loneliness, and isolation are also contributing factors.
Issues and Concerns
Mental health problems have been on the rise for decades. The National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16, revealed alarming statistics, with mental disorders affecting 10.6 percent of adults, 16 percent of the productive age group (30-49 years), and a staggering 150 million people experiencing lifetime morbidity. Unfortunately, human resources and treatment facilities remain severely inadequate, reflecting the low priority given to mental health by policymakers.
Government Initiatives
The government has taken some steps to address mental health issues:
- National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982 aimed at providing minimum mental healthcare for all.
- Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which decriminalized suicide attempts, included WHO guidelines in mental illness categorization, and introduced “advanced directives” for patients.
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017, recognized mental illness as a disability and enhanced the rights of the disabled.
- Manodarpan Initiative under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, offering psycho-social support to students.
- Kiran Helpline, dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis management.
Way Forward
To address India’s mental health crisis effectively, several steps are imperative:
- Eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health to encourage timely treatment-seeking behavior.
- Integrate mental health into public health programs, including screening and intervention services.
- Prioritize mental health in schools, especially for vulnerable groups exposed to domestic or sexual violence.
- Build a robust infrastructure for mental health care, aiming to provide treatment to a higher percentage of affected individuals.
- Ensure that all government health assurance schemes cover a wide range of mental health conditions, making services more accessible and affordable.
UPSC Mains Questions
- How does the inadequate number of mental health professionals in India impact the treatment of mental health issues, and what are the potential consequences?
- How can India effectively combat the stigma associated with mental health and promote a culture of seeking timely treatment?
- What are the key measures required to bridge the treatment gap and ensure that a higher percentage of individuals with mental health issues receive adequate care?