Eco Survey: Quadruple psychiatrists, integrate mental health in schools

India faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals, with only 0.75 psychiatrists per lakh population, according to the 2023-24 Economic Survey. This falls far short of the World Health Organization's recommended norm of 3 psychiatrists per lakh.

To address this gap, the Economic Survey of 2023-2024 proposes a fourfold increase in the number of psychiatrists. It also recommends integrating mental health education and interventions into schools.

Even as experts acknowledge the challenge, they also point to a rising trend in the number of psychiatrists due to an increased number of postgraduate seats in recent years. 
 

Dr. Amrendra Singh, Director of Mental Hospital Bareilly, highlights this rise in opportunities for aspiring mental health professionals as he said “Central Institute of Psychiatry Ranchi used to have 4 seats for Diploma in Psychological Medicine when I was studying; today they have 18. The seats in psychiatry are increasing due to the rise in the seats of postgraduate courses which is crucial for our country as the awareness for mental health is still lacking and India as a country definitely needs more awareness in mental health diseases,”

Speaking on the benefits of redoubling psychiatrists in India, Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder & Director, Manasthali Wellness, a mental health and wellness platform stated "Doubling the number of psychiatrists in India would significantly enhance the accessibility of mental health services, especially in underserved rural areas. This increase in trained professionals would lead to earlier diagnosis and more personalised care, ultimately improving treatment outcomes and reducing the severity of mental health conditions."

Although the rise of psychiatrist’s in India is a dire need, training qualified professionals and ensuring that they are spread across the country, while integrating them into the existing healthcare system remains a challenge.

“India is a resource-poor country, and a lot of money and resources would have to be allocated to ensure that there is proper training and a high standard of care. This would mean that we have to improve the infrastructure that is provided for the training of new mental health professionals and medical setups, which would mean that the quality of care should not get compromised. There is a need for more resources for higher and effective training” said Dr Sneha Sharma, Consultant- Psychiatrist, Aakash Healthcare, a super speciality hospital in New Delhi.

The Survey also emphasises on integrating mental health in schools is essential for early intervention. Developing an age-appropriate mental health curriculum for teachers and students, promoting community-level interactions, and balancing the role of technology are effective pathways. However, the survey notes that a fundamental lack of awareness and stigma surrounding mental health issues can undermine these efforts. A paradigm shift utilising a bottom-up, whole-of-community approach is needed to address this challenge.

Dr. Singh also stressed the importance of training teachers to understand the basics of mental health. This training enables teachers to identify deviations from normal behaviour among students and facilitate appropriate referrals for therapy when needed.

Proving a different point of view Rajat Goel, Co-founder of Emoneeds an online Psychiatric counselling and therapy platform stated “While teachers can be trained to deliver a mental health curriculum and identify students who might need additional support, the involvement of dedicated mental health professionals is crucial for the effective implementation and resolution of more complex issues."

Teachers can be equipped with foundational skills to recognize signs of mental health challenges and implement supportive practices in the classroom. "Professional mental health experts provide essential guidance and expertise in addressing deeper psychological concerns, developing tailored intervention strategies, and offering ongoing support” Goel further added.

Industry experts pointed out a dedicated team of mental health professionals connected with the school can provide the necessary resources, consultation, and specialised care that go beyond the scope of general teacher training, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to student mental health and well-being.

Early identification of mental health disorders is another critical area highlighted by the survey. Sensitising mental health at the preschool and Anganwadi levels can provide valuable early detection. The rise in mental health start-ups reflects a positive private sector response to the care gap, but it also necessitates the standardisation of guidelines for these services.

Jai Sharma, Co Founder of Mave Health, suggests that an age-appropriate mental health curriculum be included and cover topics like emotional literacy, self-esteem, coping skills, empathy, mental health awareness, stress management, resilience, healthy relationships, self-care and professional help. Effective teacher training programs, ongoing professional development, support systems, early identification of mental health issues, and a collaborative approach involving mental health professionals and parents are essential for successful implementation.

To strengthen the mental health infrastructure, the survey suggests developing comprehensive guidelines for services provided by excellence centres. Gathering feedback from users, professionals, and stakeholders will help refine these programs to better serve the population's needs. Also, encouraging peer support networks, self-help groups, and community-based rehabilitation programs is essential for destigmatizing mental disorders and fostering a sense of belonging among individuals.

Partnering with NGOs to scale up efforts, share knowledge, and leverage resources is also recommended. This collaboration can help identify areas needing improvement and implement effective, person-centric policies. Involving individuals with personal experience in mental health in decision-making, service planning, and advocacy efforts is crucial for enhancing recovery-oriented services.

The Economic Survey's recommendations aim to bridge the significant gap in India's mental health care system, ensuring better mental health outcomes for all citizens.

The survey also highlighted that addressing mental health is both a health and economic imperative. Mental health issues can significantly drag down productivity more than physical health issues. Therefore, paying attention to mental health in society is crucial for the nation's overall well-being and economic progress.