Important Facts For Prelims
Mental Health Initiatives in India
- 14 Dec 2023
- 3 min read
Why in News?
Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has shed light on the initiatives aimed at addressing mental health concerns in the country.
What are the Highlighted Mental Health Initiatives?
- National Mental Health Programme (NMHP):
- The NMHP, initiated in 1982 and restructured in 2003, aims to modernize mental health facilities and upgrade psychiatric wings in medical institutions.
- Additionally, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) since 1996 has focused on community mental health services at the primary healthcare level , spanning 716 districts.
- DMHP provides outpatient services, counselling, psycho-social interventions, and support for severe mental disorders at community health and primary health centres.
- Together, they constitute a comprehensive strategy for mental health care in India.
- National Tele Mental Health Programme:
- NTMHP was launched in October 2022, to further improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country.
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru is the National Apex Centre, coordinated activities of Tele MANAS across India.
- 25 States/UTs have established 36 Tele Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation Systems (MANAS) Cells for extending mental health services.
- Handling 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 by NIMHANS on the (iGOT)-Diksha platform.
- NIMHANS provides psychosocial support and training through the (iGOT)-Diksha platform.
- Ayushman Bharat – HWC Scheme:
- The Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) are part of the Ayushman Bharat Programme.
- The program aims to provide a wider range of services, including preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care( a specialized medical approach that aims to improve the quality of life for people with serious illnesses).
- 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.
- The Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) are part of the Ayushman Bharat Programme.
- Addressing Pandemic-Induced Mental Health Challenges:
- The Government has established a 24/7 helpline offering psychosocial support to various population segments.
- Issuance of guidelines and advisories catering to different societal groups.
- Advocacy through diverse media platforms to manage stress and anxiety, fostering a supportive environment.
- The Government has established a 24/7 helpline offering psychosocial support to various population segments.
- Financial Support for Mental Health Institutions:
- The District Mental Health Programme receives a fund allocation of Rs. 159.75 Crore for States/UTs under the National Health Mission for 2022-23.
