India is making significant advancements in mental healthcare by introducing robust policies and scaling up infrastructure to address the growing need for accessible and affordable mental health services across the country. With a blend of technological innovation, systemic reforms, and community-driven initiatives, the government has prioritized mental well-being as a key component of its national healthcare strategy.
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana provides cashless healthcare services for 1,961 procedures across 27 medical specialties, including 22 procedures under the mental disorder specialty. These include treatments for conditions such as intellectual disabilities, schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. As of late March 2025, the program has authorized 77,634 hospital admissions worth $10.5 million, emphasizing the government’s commitment to integrating mental health into primary healthcare schemes.
Efforts to improve accessibility have been bolstered by the District Mental Health Programme, a component of the National Mental Health Programme. This initiative is operational in 767 districts, offering support at the Community Health Centre and Primary Health Centre levels. It provides outpatient services, counseling, psycho-social interventions, and continuing care for individuals with severe mental disorders. Additionally, district-level facilities include provisions for 10-bedded inpatient care, ensuring comprehensive mental healthcare availability even in underserved regions.
Mental health services have also been expanded at primary healthcare levels. Over 175,000 Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, now encompassing mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in their service packages. These facilities represent a holistic approach to mental healthcare, addressing a wide spectrum of mental health needs.
The tertiary care component of the National Mental Health Programme focuses on higher-level interventions and academic excellence in mental health specialties. Twenty-five Centres of Excellence have been sanctioned to increase postgraduate intake in mental health departments and provide advanced treatment facilities. Moreover, forty-seven postgraduate departments have been strengthened across nineteen government medical colleges to ensure consistent delivery of tertiary care.
India’s efforts to build capacity in mental healthcare extend to its 47 government-run mental hospitals, which include three central institutions—National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health in Tezpur, and the Central Institute of Psychiatry in Ranchi. These institutes also serve as training hubs under the Digital Academies initiative. Since 2018, 42,488 healthcare professionals have been trained through online courses provided by these academies, further addressing manpower shortages in underserved areas.
The launch of the National Tele Mental Health Programme in October 2022 has transformed mental healthcare accessibility. Through 53 Tele MANAS Cells established across 36 states and union territories, more than 1.9 million calls have been handled via the helpline number, offering crucial support for mental health concerns. In October 2024, the Tele MANAS Mobile Application was introduced to coincide with World Mental Health Day, providing users with a comprehensive platform to address mental health issues ranging from well-being to severe disorders.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has also mandated that insurers provide mental health coverage under the Mental Health Care Act of 2017. Products catering to mental illnesses are now available in compliance with this legislation, reflecting systemic efforts to integrate mental health into the larger healthcare framework.
India’s strategic focus on mental healthcare demonstrates a commitment to bridging gaps in accessibility, affordability, and quality. Through its diverse programs, technological innovations, and training initiatives, the government continues to build a resilient mental health infrastructure that empowers individuals and strengthens communities nationwide.
