PAPER III General Studies- II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations

Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

In NEWS: A health gap – taskforce to study mental health of medical students is welcome. More interventions are needed

Critically assess the government initiatives taken to address mental health problems and suggest measures to effectively tackle the problem.

The 2015-16 National Mental Health Survey showed that 10.6 per cent of the above 18-year-old population suffer from mental health problems. Therefore it is imperative to effectively address mental health.

Government initiatives to address mental health problems:

1. National Mental Health Policy 2014: to promote mental health, prevent mental illness, and help people recover from mental illness.
2. National Mental Health Act 2017: provides a legal framework that ensures the rights of individuals with mental illness such as right to access mental health care services, right to community living, the right to protection from cruel treatment,etc.Also mandates the establishment of State Mental Health Authorities (SMHAs) and Mental Health Review Boards (MHRBs) in all states.
3. Kiran Helpline: a 24/7 toll-free helpline ‘Kiran’ to provide support to people facing anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts and other mental health concerns.
4. Tele-MANAS aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas
5. Manodarpan: A psychosocial support initiative for students affected by the pandemic.

Challenges and Gaps:

1.  While the policy and the Act delineate a clear vision, there is a lack of clarity on implementation, the financial and physical resources required, and by when.
2. The majority of the States have not established State Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Boards (MHRBs), and many States have not notified minimum standards which are meant to ensure the quality of Mental Health Institutions.
3. Internet connectivity and digital literacy remain barriers in rural areas to utilize initiatives like Tele-MANAS.
4. Low budgetary allocations  For several years, the mental health budget in India has remained stagnant, hovering around 1% of the total health budget. Budgets for mental health are pervaded by consistently low utilisations perpetuating a cycle of low allocations
5. Lack of trained professionals: There is a shortage of mental health professionals, especially in rural areas.
6. Limited access to care: Many individuals, especially in rural areas, lack access to quality mental healthcare.
7. Post-Treatment Gap: lack of adequate rehabilitation services can hinder their ability to fully recover and integrate back into society.

Measures to effectively tackle mental health problems:

1. Strengthening Mental Health Infrastructure:

• Increase investment in mental health services, especially in rural areas.
• Train more mental health professionals, including community health workers.
• Expand access to tele-mental health services.

2. Public policy focuses on treatment. It should also be designed to provide essential post-treatment support and rehabilitative services  to develop the necessary social skills to get reintegrated with society and family.
3. Integrating mental health into primary care: Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare can improve early detection and intervention.
4. The Centre should offer technical assistance and financial resources to states to establish and operate State Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Boards .
5. An autonomous implementing agency along the lines of National Aids Control Organisation(NACO) can help mobilise the required financial and human resources, balance institutional care with community involvement for addressing the varied needs of affected people at different levels.
6. Mental Health Awareness Campaigns: Launch nationwide campaigns to educate the public about mental health, its symptoms, and the importance of seeking help.India’s success in stemming HIV-AIDS can offer lessons in the country’s endeavors to tackle mental health-related challenges. 
7. Integration into Education System: Incorporate mental health education into school curricula, starting from a young age, to foster understanding and empathy.

By implementing comprehensive measures that address these challenges, India can make significant progress in improving mental health outcomes for its citizens.

Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/medical-students-mental-health-nmc-policy-9520076/