Lok Sabha Question No. 4013 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-24
Subject: Menace of Mental Health
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Sanjay(Kaka) Ramchandra Patil

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4013 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24 TH  MARCH, 2023

## MENACE OF MENTAL HEALTH

## 4013.  SHRI SANJAY KAKA PATIL:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware that there is a mental health pandemic in India, where a large section of the population is suffering from mental health problems and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  considered  creating  a  national-level  body  to  discuss  matters related  to  mental  health  to  improve  interventions,  with  key  State-level  Government stakeholders as a part of the body, to tackle the mental health pandemic in India; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

- (a) As per the National Mental Health Survey conducted by the Government through National Institute  of  Mental  Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore in 12 States of the country,  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:
- (i) The prevalence of mental morbidity is high in urban metropolitan areas.
- (ii) Mental disorders are closely linked to both causation and consequences of several noncommunicable disorders (NCD).
- (iii)Nearly  1  in  40  and  1  in  20  persons  suffer  from  past  and  current  depression, respectively.
- (iv) 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).
- (v) Data indicate that 0.9 % of the survey population were at high risk of suicide.
- (vi) Nearly  50%  of  persons  with  major  depressive  disorders  reported  difficulties  in carrying out their daily activities.

(b) & (c) Realizing the impact that COVID-19 may have on the mental health of the people, including children, the Government has set up a 24/7 helpline to provide psychosocial support, by mental health professionals, to the entire affected population, divided into different target groups  viz  children,  students,  adult,  elderly,  women  and  healthcare  workers.  In  addition, guidelines/ advisories on management of mental health issues, catering to different segments of the society have also been issued by the Government.

Further, Government of India implements the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) as well as District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under NMHP in 716 districts of the country.  Under  DMHP, sufficient  funds  are  provided  to  each  district  supported  under  the Programme for targeted interventions with the following objectives:

- (i) To provide facilitative skill to class teachers to promote life skill among their students.
- (ii) To provide the knowledge and skills to class teachers to identify emotional conduct, scholastic and substance use problems in their students
- (iii) To provide a system of referral for students with psychological problems in schools to the District Mental Health Team for inputs and treatment.
- (iv) To involve other stakeholders like parents, community leaders to enhance development of adolescents etc.

In addition to the above, the Government is also taking steps to strengthen mental healthcare services at primary healthcare level. Mental health services have been added in the package of  services  under  Comprehensive  Primary  Health  Care  under  Ayushman  Bharat  -  HWC Scheme.  Operational  guidelines  on  Mental,  Neurological,  and  Substance  Use  Disorders (MNS)  at  Health  and  Wellness  Centres  (HWC)  have  been  released  under  the  ambit  of Ayushman Bharat.

Besides the above, the Government has launched a 'National Tele Mental Health Programme' on 10 th October, 2022, to further improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country. As on 09.03.2023, 25 States/ UTs have set up 36 Tele MANAS Cells and  have  started  mental  health  services.  63806  calls  have  been  handled  on  the  helpline number.

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