Lok Sabha Question No. 1719 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-07-27
Subject: Mental Health
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: PRATHAP SIMHA, BHARATENDRA SINGH, PINAKI MISRA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1719 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 th JULY, 2018

## MENTAL HEALTH

## 1719. SHRI PRATHAP SIMHA: KUNWAR BHARATENDRA: SHRI PINAKI MISRA:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  as  per  the  WHO's  Report 'Depression  and  Other  Common  Mental DisordersGlobal Health Estimates' released in 2017, the estimated prevalence of depressive disorders in India  i s  4.5  per cent  of  the  total  population,  if  so,  the  details thereof  and  reaction  of  the Government thereto;

(b) whether India has less than 4,000 psychiatrists to treat its mentally ill people, if so, the details thereof and corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard;

(c)  whether  the  Government  proposes to  implement  a  District  Mental  Health Programme (DMHP) for detection, management and treatment of mental disorders/illness in 517 districts of thecountry, if so, the major components of DMHP;

(d) whether the prevalence of mental morbidity is found to be very high in urban centres, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the major findings of a National Mental Health Survey conducted by NIMHANS in 2016 and corrective steps taken in accordance to the survey?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL )

(a): As per the World Health Organization's Report 'Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders - Global Health Estimates' released in 2017, the estimated prevalence of depressive disorders in India is 4.5% of the total population. However, as per the National Mental Survey conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalor 12 States of the country, the pre valence of depressive disorders in India is estimated to be 2. of the total population. To address the burden of mental disorders, the Government of I implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) since 1982.

(b): As per available info rmation, there are about 3827 Psychiatrists available in the count In order to increase the number of mental health professionals in the country, the Government, under the NMHP, is implementing manpower development schemes for establishment of Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of Post Graduate (PG) Departments in me health  specialties.  Till  date,  support  has  been  provided  for  establishment  of  25  Ce Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of 47 Post Graduate (PG) Depar tments in mental health specialties in the country.

(c) to (e): The Government had undertaken a National Mental Health Survey through the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore in 12 States the country. As per the s urvey report released on 26 th December, 2016, the prevalence of mental morbidity is higher in urban metro regions (13.5%) as compared to rural areas (6.9%) and non- metro areas (4.3%). The major findings of the survey are as under:

- The prevalence of mental disorders including common mental disorders, severe mental disorders, and alcohol and substance use disorders (excluding tobacco use disorder adults over the age of 18 years is about 10.6%.
- Mental disorders are closely linked to both causation a nd consequences of several non -communicable disorders (NCD).
- Nearly 1 in 40 and 1 in 20 persons suffer from past and current depression, respectivel
- Neurosis and stress related disorders affect 3.5% of the population and was report 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 car out their daily activities.

is

To addres the  burden  of mental  disorders, the  Government  of India implementing  the  District  Mental  Health  programme  (DMHP)  under  the  National  Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 517 districts of the country with the objectives to:

- (i) Provide  mental  health  services  i ncluding  prevention,  promotion  and  longterm continuing care at different levels of district healthcare delivery system.
- (ii) Augment  institutional  capacity  in  terms  of  infrastructure,  equipment  and  hum resource for mental healthcare.
- (iii) Promote community awarene ss and participation in the delivery of mental healthcare services.
- (iv) Broad- base mental health into other related programs.