New Delhi, March 9: A special session was held as part of the post-budget webinar series themed “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas – Fulfilling the Aspirations of the People.” This session focused on the announcement made in paragraph 87 of the central budget, aimed at establishing NIMANHS-2 and enhancing the country’s leading mental health institutions to strengthen the mental health framework.
Experts from major medical institutions, policymakers, public health specialists, researchers, and representatives from state governments participated in the meeting. They collectively discussed strategies to expand advanced neuro-psychiatric services and fortify India’s mental health system.
During the discussion, it was highlighted that the burden of mental and neurological disorders in India is steadily increasing. To meet the growing health needs, enhancing institutional capacity is crucial. It was noted that one in seven Indians is affected by some form of mental health issue, with treatment shortages in many states ranging from 70% to 90%. Experts also pointed out that over 60% of deaths in the country are due to non-communicable diseases, with mental and neurological disorders being significant contributors to disability. Thus, strengthening major mental health institutions and expanding specialized services is deemed a top priority for the health system.
The session also revealed a lack of advanced neuro-psychiatric services in North India, particularly in areas like advanced neuroimaging, neurocritical care, and specialized neurological treatments. Experts believe that the establishment of NIMANHS-2 and the modernization of existing mental health institutions will significantly boost advanced treatment, training, research, and innovation in neuroscience.
Panel experts emphasized the need for a comprehensive and multi-tiered strategy to strengthen mental health services. This should include improved critical care services, training of human resources, promotion of research and innovation, increased access to services in communities, and expansion of institutional infrastructure. They also stressed the importance of enhancing services in remote and underserved areas, including the northeastern states, through better infrastructure, capacity building, and deployment of trained mental health professionals.
The discussion also highlighted the necessity of adopting a hub-and-spoke model with digital health platforms to strengthen mental health services. Under this model, large and advanced hospitals (hubs) can provide technical guidance, expert consultations, and clinical support to district hospitals and community health centers. This will enhance the referral system and ensure that individuals in remote and rural areas can access specialized mental health services easily.
Panelists also emphasized the need to connect tele-mental health services with the existing and new campuses of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMANHS) to create a robust tele-mental health network across the country. This will enable timely counseling, psychological support, and expert advice for individuals. Additionally, experts highlighted the need for a digital follow-up system and better coordination among health institutions, which can be established under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and AABHA ID. This will ensure continuity of care for patients, enhance monitoring, and improve treatment outcomes.
The meeting also proposed the creation of a National Brain-Mind Cloud Network under the National Health Mission. This network would connect AIIMS, state medical colleges, and primary health centers through a digital platform, making mental health records accessible in one place. It would facilitate the use of AI-based screening tools and assist doctors in making better treatment decisions based on data. Furthermore, regional tele-neuro-psychiatry centers could be established to enable early disease identification, timely treatment, and better-coordinated health services.
The panel discussion addressed potential outcomes to strengthen institutional frameworks in the mental health sector, increase the number of specialists, and promote research collaboration.
It was also suggested that a systematic referral system should be established from district levels to larger institutions, linking district mental health programs with top institutions.
Additionally, a proposal was made to develop the popular Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health and the Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, as leading regional mental health institutions. This would enhance advanced treatment, education, and research facilities across different regions of the country.
The meeting also recommended the establishment of national registries related to stroke, suicide, neurotrauma, and severe mental illnesses, along with a coordinated national research network. This would aid in formulating better policies based on evidence, conducting large-scale research, and enhancing collaboration among various research institutions.
A long-term roadmap was also presented, aiming to transform the models of India’s three major mental health institutions into regional centers of excellence for training, research, and capacity building in South and Southeast Asia. This plan aligns with the World Health Organization’s global mental health goals and priorities.
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My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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