Mental Health Services Reach Grassroots As Govt Expands NMHP

The Government has reinforced mental healthcare delivery through the National Mental Health Programme, extending services to diverse groups, including postpartum mothers.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, informed the Rajya Sabha of these developments.

The District Mental Health Programme, a key NMHP component, now operates in 767 districts.

Authorities provide support to States and Union Territories through the National Health Mission.

Services at Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres include outpatient care, assessment, counselling, psycho-social support, medication, and outreach facilities.

Ambulance services and continuous care for severe cases are also available. District-level facilities now include provision for 10-bed inpatient units.

The government has also upgraded over 1.83 lakh Sub Health Centres and PHCs into Ayushman Arogya Mandir, integrating mental health into comprehensive primary care services.

Operational guidelines and training manuals for managing mental, neurological, and substance use disorders have been introduced under Ayushman Bharat.

To strengthen tertiary care, authorities have sanctioned 25 Centres of Excellence. These centres enhance postgraduate training capacity and provide advanced treatment.

Additionally, 19 government medical institutions have received support to upgrade 47 postgraduate departments specialising in mental health.

India currently operates 47 government-run mental hospitals, including premier institutions such as the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, and the Central Institute of Psychiatry. Mental health services are also available across AIIMS facilities.

The government has further launched the National Tele Mental Health Programme to expand remote counselling and care access nationwide.

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