National Mental Health Program

National Mental Health Program (NMHP)

Mental health is a crucial part of overall health. According to the WHO, it is a state of well-being where individuals can cope with life’s stresses, work productively, and contribute to their communities. Mental disorders include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating and personality disorders, PTSD, and schizophrenia.

In India, the lifetime prevalence is 12.3% for common and 1.95% for severe mental disorders, highlighting the urgent need for accessible mental health services.

To address this, the Government of India launched NMHP in 1982, aiming to reduce the burden of mental illness and overcome the lack of mental healthcare infrastructure.

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10th October annually to raise global awareness and promote mental health efforts.

Evolution of the National Mental Health Program (NMHP)

• 1982: NMHP launched to reduce the burden of mental illness and improve care.
• 1996: District Mental Health Program (DMHP) added under the IX Five-Year Plan (based on the Bellary Model).
• 2003: NMHP restructured with two schemes:
• Modernization of State Mental Hospitals
• Upgradation of Psychiatric Wings in Medical/General Hospitals
• 2009: Manpower Development Schemes (A & B) included.

Aim of NMHP

• Prevent and treat mental and neurological disorders.
• Use mental health technology to enhance general health services.
• Apply mental health principles to national development.

Objectives of NMHP

• Ensure accessible mental health care, especially for the vulnerable.
• Integrate mental health knowledge into general and social health care.
• Promote community participation and self-help in mental health.

District Mental Health Program (DMHP)

• Provides basic, community-based mental health services.
• Focuses on early detection, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Reduces stigma through public awareness.

Components of NMHP

1.     Treatment of mentally ill

2.     Rehabilitation

3.     Prevention & Promotion of positive mental health

Key Activities under NMHP

I. District & Sub-district Level (under NHM):

• Basic mental health services at community level
• 10-bedded inpatient mental health facilities
• 4 satellite clinics/month at CHCs/PHCs
• Targeted interventions include:
• Life skills & counseling in schools/colleges
• Workplace stress management
• Suicide prevention
• Awareness campaigns involving local stakeholders
• Community participation via SHGs, caregivers, NGOs
• 241 districts covered; expansion ongoing

II. Public-Private Partnership (PPP):

• Up to ₹5 lakhs per NGO for mental health activities

III. Primary Health Centers & Hospitals:

• OPD & emergency psychiatry services
• Counseling services
• Up to ₹15 lakhs/year support to medical institutions

IV. Mental Health Helpline:

• 24/7 national helpline for crisis support, info, and legal aid
• NMHP is linked with district hospitals, medical colleges, mental hospitals, private facilities, NGOs, and all mental health providers across states.

V. Research & Surveys

• Conduct mental health research to identify regional needs.
• Guides future planning and strategies.
• Budget: ₹18 crore (₹6 crore/year).

VI. Central IEC (Information, Education, Communication)

• Dedicated website for mental health resources and programs.
• Mass media campaigns in local languages via TV, radio, and other media.
• Online data monitoring and communication system.

VII. Training & Workshops

• Master trainers trained at central hubs.
• Standardized manuals used for consistent state-level training.

3.5.5 Manpower Development Schemes

Scheme A: Centers of Excellence

• Upgrade 10 institutes/medical colleges to offer psychiatry and allied mental health courses.
• Financial support: up to ₹33.70 crore per center.
• 15 centers funded so far for development.

Scheme B. PG Training Departments of Mental Health facilities

. Government Medical Colleges/ Government Mental Hospitals will be supported for starting/increasing intake of PG courses in Mental Health.

Financial support of up to Rs.0.86 to 0.99 cr per dept. would be provided. The support includes physical work for establishing /improving department in specialties of mental health, equipment's, tools and basic infrastructure & for engaging required faculty for starting/enhancing the PG courses.

39 PG Departments in 15 Medical Colleges/ Mental Hospitals in mental health specialties viz. Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatric Nursing and Psychiatric Social Work have been provided support for their establishment/strengthening.

3.5.6 OUTCOME OF PROGRAMME

The number of districts currently covered by the DMHP out of the aimed 500, the figure is 241(2014-2015). After 18 years of existence the program has achieved less than 50% of goals and objectives.