Public mental health – the Indian perspective

The global burden of mental disorders is already substantial and increasing disconcertingly each year. In India, the prevalence of mental disorders is estimated to be 10.6%. There is a significant treatment gap and a limited number of mental health professionals. Every country needs a robust public mental health system to address this burden. India has developed a comprehensive public mental health infrastructure across all levels of healthcare. The National Mental Health Programme, which has evolved since its inception in 1982, is a key component of this system. Additionally, India has a National Mental Health Policy and a Suicide Prevention Strategy. The recently introduced National Tele Mental Health Programme has transformed mental healthcare in the country. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, located at Primary Health Centres and Sub Health Centres, are providing comprehensive primary health care, including mental health services. Despite these advancements, India faces several challenges in mental healthcare, including population size, geographical diversity, cultural variations, stigma, multiple stakeholders, a shortage of mental health professionals, and budget constraints. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues. New areas such as Artificial Intelligence, climate change, and perinatal mental health are being explored. The public mental health setup in India could serve as a model for other countries.