1 in 10 adults in India reported mental health issues: NIMHANS survey
One in 10 adults over 18 years of age in India suffer from mental health issues, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya informed Lok Sabha recently quoting findings of NIMHANS survey.
Replying to a question during the ongoing budget session, the Union Health Minister said that as per the National Mental Health Survey conducted by the Government through the 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%.
Dr Mandaviya informed the house that nearly one in 40 and one in 20 people suffer from past and current depression, respectively, pointing out that mental illness is more prevalent in metropolitan areas of the country.
The survey further found that nearly half of the persons with major depressive disorders reported difficulties in carrying out their daily activities, the Minister said.
Dr Mandaviya said that 3.5% of the population suffer from neurosis that causes strong feelings of fear and worry and stress-related disorders, with women reporting them twice than men.
The Minister further informed the house that 0.9% of those surveyed were found to be at risk of suicide.
The Union Health Minister detailed the steps taken by the Union Government, saying that the government is implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in the country to provide affordable and accessible mental healthcare facilities to the population, including the poor and underprivileged.
He further informed that the Government started the “National Tele Mental Health Programme” on October 10, 2022, under which as of January 321, 2023, 36 Tele MANAS Cells in 25 states and union territories have started mental health services across the country and the helpline number has handled 43,861 calls.
The Union Health Minister further informed the house that mental health services have been added to the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care under Ayushman Bharat – HWC Scheme.
Under Ayushman Bharat, operational guidelines on Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders (MNS) at Health and Wellness Centres (HWC) have been released, he added.
