India’s Mental Health Care Remains Inaccessible, Warns Dr. Sanjeev Jain
Globally, over one billion individuals are living with mental health disorders, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Conditions like anxiety and depression have significant human and economic impacts. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, emphasized the urgent need to transform mental health services as a key public health challenge.
India’s Mental Health Crisis
A recent Economic Survey of India for 2024-25 reported a crisis in mental well-being. It urged the need for effective preventive strategies and interventions, advocating that mental health should be prioritized within the economic agenda. While the number of psychiatrists in India has increased, access to mental health care remains limited, especially for economically disadvantaged groups.
Challenges in Accessibility
In an interview with El-Balad, Dr. Sanjeev Jain, an emeritus professor of psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), highlighted several barriers to mental health care in India. The growing social stigma surrounding mental health, fragmented services, and insufficient government funding impede access to necessary care.
- Social stigma surrounding mental illnesses
- Insufficient government investment in mental health
- Limited institutional services
Despite having approximately 20,000 psychiatrists, the country only has about 30,000 psychiatric beds, which is insufficient for its population of 1.6 billion. Most mental health services are privately provided, primarily benefiting the middle class.
The Need for a Comprehensive Approach
Dr. Jain emphasized the importance of addressing societal issues like violence and inequality in promoting mental health. He argued that simply telling individuals to be resilient is not a viable solution. Instead, systemic changes are needed to create a less violent environment.
For effective mental health care, there needs to be a shift toward community-based care rather than reliance on institutional care, a model that has not fully developed in India since independence in 1947.
- Community-based models of care are essential.
- Public services must be made more accessible.
Increasing Public Awareness and Government Role
Raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma are critical steps toward improving access. Currently, public perception often undermines the relevance of professional mental health care. Campaigns that depict psychiatrists positively can help change people’s views and reduce stigma.
The Indian government’s spending on health is around 1.5% of its GDP, significantly lower than that of the European Union, where it constitutes about 30%. This underfunding affects the development of necessary supportive infrastructure in mental health.
Importance of Regular Checkups
There is a pressing need to normalize mental health checkups similar to physical health checkups. Recognizing early signs of trouble, like persistent sleep disturbances or changes in appetite, is crucial for timely intervention. Health professionals are best suited to evaluate these signs and provide adequate support.
In conclusion, mental health care in India remains largely inaccessible. Comprehensive and culturally attuned reforms are essential for improving access and care. By investing in mental health and promoting social awareness, India can better address the mental well-being of its population.
