GS 2 – Social issues
Context:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released two major reports — World Mental Health Report and Mental Health Atlas 2024 — highlighting global and national failures to provide adequate mental health care, despite the rising burden of mental disorders.
Key Highlights:
 Magnitude of the Issue:
- 1 in 8 people (over 1 billion) are living with mental health conditions globally.
- Most common conditions:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Substance use disorders
Why is Mental Health a Priority?
- Mental health conditions:
- Affect people of all ages
- Are the second leading cause of disability globally
- Lead to severe economic losses (trillions annually)
- WHO calls it one of the most pressing public health challenges.
- Suicide is a leading cause of death, especially among 15–29-year-olds.
Findings from WHO Reports:
 Global Scenario:
- Many countries have:
- Adopted rights-based approaches
- Formulated national mental health policies
- But:
- Policies not implemented properly
- Less than half of 194 countries have fully aligned with international rights laws.
- Only 2% of health budgets allocated to mental health (global average).
- Community-based care models remain underdeveloped.
- Stigma, lack of trained professionals, and poor policy execution continue to plague progress.
India’s Mental Health Crisis:
 Current Challenges:
- Stigma, underreporting, lack of services in rural areas.
- Only 1 psychiatrist per 100,000 people, while WHO recommends 3 per 100,000.
- Over 70% of cases go untreated.
 Budget Gaps:
- India’s budget for the National Mental Health Programme was just â‚ą134 crore in 2023–24.
- Experts call this insufficient for a population of 1.4 billion.
 Shortfall in Professionals:
- Over 14,000 psychiatrists needed; only 9000 available.
- Shortage also of psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers.
Government Initiatives:
 Steps Taken:
- Tele-MANAS helpline launched (Mental Health Assistance through Tele-counselling).
- Mental health services integrated with Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres.
- District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) expanded.
- Decriminalization of suicide under review (recommended by MHCA 2017).
Flaws in Global Care Systems (as per WHO):
- Segregation in health funding: 80% of global health spending is hospital-based.
- Only one-third of countries provide free access to mental health care.
- Mental health neglected in disaster and emergency response.
- Less than 50% of countries integrate mental health into primary care.