Towards a mentally healthier India: Budget expectations for 2024

Given the current ratio of 1 psychiatrist per 100,000 patients, strengthening India’s mental health workforce has to be an urgent priority. Increasing the number of trained professionals— including psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, and social workers— is crucial to meet the growing demand for mental health services. The shortage of MHPs can be addressed through targeted skill development programmes.

To address these concerns, it is essential to boost the number of MHPs and make mental health resources accessible and affordable. In the forthcoming budget, we anticipate an increase in mental health allocations to support organisations like NIMHANS effectively. 

Further, the National Mental Health Survey (2015-16) highlighted that nearly 150 million Indians require mental health services, yet only 30 million seek treatment. It is critical at this stage for the government to build widespread public health awareness campaigns on mental well-being to combat stigma, prioritise community-based mental health services, and ensure transparent financial monitoring with data privacy measures. 

The latest research on global mental health in the 2024 global survey indicated that 30.4 per cent of Indians face mental health challenges, surpassing the global average of 27.1 per cent. To navigate through this, our country needs an integration of mental health services into primary healthcare. With the pace of health-tech advancements, substantial investments are needed in digital mental health solutions and tele-mental health services, while incentives may be considered for organisations innovating in this space. 

Finally, substantial investments are needed for the effective implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 and the National Suicide Prevention Policy. A holistic approach encompassing education, employment, and healthcare is essential to make comprehensive mental health support a reality for all. Policies mandating mental health coverage in insurance plans, increased funding for mental health research, and the establishment of a national mental health database are also key expectations. Additionally, initiatives to integrate mental health education into school curriculums and workplace wellness programs can be impactful for children and young individuals to navigate through their mental health concerns. 

Prioritising these aspects in the budget will enable India to make notable strides in building a mentally healthier society – driving innovation, and improving care delivery across the nation.