Context:
Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has shed light on the initiatives aimed at addressing mental health concerns in the country.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- Highlighted Mental Health Initiatives in India
Highlighted Mental Health Initiatives in India:
National Mental Health Programme (NMHP):
- Initiated in 1982, restructured in 2003.
- Aims to modernize mental health facilities and upgrade psychiatric wings in medical institutions.
- District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) since 1996 focuses on community mental health services in 716 districts.
- Provides outpatient services, counselling, psycho-social interventions, and support for severe mental disorders at primary healthcare level.
National Tele Mental Health Programme:
- Launched in October 2022 to improve access to mental health counselling and care services.
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, coordinates Tele MANAS activities across India.
- 25 States/UTs have established 36 Tele Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation Systems (MANAS) Cells.
- Handled a total of 63,806 calls on the helpline number.
NIMHANS and iGOT-Diksha Collaboration:
- NIMHANS provides psychosocial support and training through the iGOT-Diksha platform.
- Online training for health workers conducted on the iGOT-Diksha platform.
Ayushman Bharat – HWC Scheme:
- Part of the Ayushman Bharat Programme.
- Aims to provide a wide range of services, including preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care.
- Operational guidelines on Mental, Neurological, and substance use disorders (MNS) at Health and Wellness Centres (HWC) under Ayushman Bharat.
Addressing Pandemic-Induced Mental Health Challenges:
- Establishment of a 24/7 helpline for psychosocial support.
- Issuance of guidelines and advisories for various societal groups.
- Advocacy through diverse media platforms to manage stress and anxiety.
Financial Support for Mental Health Institutions:
- District Mental Health Programme receives a fund allocation of Rs. 159.75 Crore for States/UTs under the National Health Mission for 2022-23.
