Mental Health

New Delhi, March 17, 2018: The number of people suffering from depression and other mental illness along with the related casualties is not maintained centrally. However, the Government had undertaken a National Mental Health Survey through the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore in 12 States of the country. As per the survey report released on 26^th December, 2016, the prevalence of mental disorders including common mental disorders, severe mental disorders, and alcohol and substance use disorders (excluding tobacco use disorder) in adults over the age of 18 years is about 10.6%. The major findings of the survey are as under:

• The prevalence of mental morbidity is high in urban metropolitan areas.

• Mental disorders are closely linked to both causation and consequences of several non-communicable disorders (NCD).

• Nearly 1 in 40 and 1 in 20 persons suffer from past and current depression, respectively.

• Neurosis and stress related disorders affect 3.5% of the population and was reported to be higher among females (nearly twice as much in males).

• Data indicate that 0.9 % of the survey population were at high risk of suicide.

• Nearly 50% of persons with major depressive disorders reported difficulties in carrying out their daily activities.

The Government of India is implementing the District Mental Health programme (DMHP) under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 517 districts of the country with the objectives to:

1. Provide mental health services including prevention, promotion and longterm continuing care at different levels of district healthcare delivery system.

2. Augment institutional capacity in terms of infrastructure, equipment and human resource for mental healthcare.

3. Promote community awareness and participation in the delivery of mental healthcare services.
4. Broad-base mental health into other related programs.

To address the acute shortage of qualified mental health professionals in the country, the Government, under NMHP, is implementing manpower development schemes for establishment of Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties. Till date, support has been provided for establishment of 25 Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of 47 Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties in the country.

The Government does not have any specific scheme for mental health workers or for providing insurance cover to persons with mental illness.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Smt Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.