Mental health concerns have been increasingly prominent in India, with suicide rates and mental health problems on the rise across all segments of society. Against this backdrop, the recent report from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health & Family Welfare, submitted on August 4, 2023, takes on significant importance. Titled ‘Mental Health Care and Its Management in Contemporary Times,’ the report addresses the pressing need to address mental health issues in the country.
Mental health is described as a state of well-being that enables individuals to cope with life’s challenges effectively. The report encompasses a wide range of topics, including the status of mental health infrastructure, regulatory structures, and the root causes of the increasing prevalence of mental health problems. It is noted that the last mental health survey commissioned by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare was conducted in 2015-16, and it estimated India’s mental morbidity rate for adults above 18 years to be 10.6 percent.
The report highlights the persistent issues identified in the 2015-16 survey, particularly the treatment gap—the difference between the need for treatment and the accessibility of treatment. It underscores the lack of mental health professionals, the prevailing stigma, and the inadequacy of infrastructure. The adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health is also acknowledged, necessitating an urgent reassessment of the current situation through another survey.
The report emphasizes the prevalence of mental health problems among children and adolescents, particularly in urban areas. It highlights the lack of awareness and access to essential mental health services, pointing out educational hubs like Kota as examples of high-pressure environments without proper counseling facilities.
One of the most alarming issues addressed in the report is the increasing incidence of suicides in India. The shortage of mental health professionals is a significant concern, with only 0.75 psychiatrists per lakh people in India, far below the ideal ratio of three psychiatrists per lakh people. The report also highlights the lack of mental health services at the primary and secondary levels.
Despite the existence of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017, which incorporates many recommendations from the National Mental Health Policy, the implementation has been inconsistent. The report notes the absence of the mandated Mental Health Review Board in several states and the inconspicuous presence of the Central Mental Health Authority.
The report commends the steps taken by the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDA) in making mental illness coverage mandatory for insurance companies. However, it calls for closer collaboration between the Ministry and IRDA to ensure that this mandate is effectively executed.
Stigma remains a significant barrier to addressing mental health issues, and the report stresses the importance of early identification and support, with friends and family playing a crucial role. It advocates for public awareness campaigns and drives to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health problems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the economic loss due to mental health conditions in India is USD 1.03 trillion. A comprehensive strategy for prevention, treatment, and recovery is essential, and the government must act on the recommendations of the Standing Committee to ensure that mental health problems are addressed promptly and effectively. Mental health issues should not be stigmatized, but rather seen as treatable conditions that, with proper care, allow individuals to lead productive lives.
