Government Launches National Mental Health Programme to Enhance Services
Synopsis
The government has initiated the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) to significantly improve mental health services across the country, including provisions for postpartum mothers and enhanced facilities in districts.
Key Takeaways
National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) launched to improve mental health services.
Postpartum mothers are included in the program's focus.
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) will operate in 767 districts .
Facilities include outpatient and inpatient care .
National Tele Mental Health Programme introduced for better access.
New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) To enhance mental health services, the government has launched the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), which includes provisions for postpartum mothers, as reported in Parliament on Wednesday.
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) aspect of the NMHP has been approved for rollout in 767 districts, with assistance provided to States/UTs through the National Health Mission, stated the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, in the Rajya Sabha.
Under the DMHP, facilities at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels offer a range of services, including outpatient care, assessment, counseling, psycho-social interventions, ongoing care for individuals with severe mental disorders, medications, outreach initiatives, ambulance services, and more.
Additionally, the minister highlighted that there is a provision for a 10-bed inpatient facility at the district level.
The government has upgraded over 1.83 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and PHCs to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
Mental health services are now included in the service packages offered at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, as noted by Thakur.
Operational guidelines and training manuals addressing Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders (MNS) at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been released under the Ayushman Bharat initiative.
As part of the tertiary care element of the NMHP, 25 Centres of Excellence have been authorized to increase student intake in postgraduate departments specializing in mental health and to provide tertiary treatment facilities.
Moreover, the government has supported 19 government medical colleges/institutions to strengthen 47 PG Departments focusing on mental health specialties.
In total, there are 47 government-run mental hospitals across the nation, including three Central Mental Health Institutions: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health in Tezpur, Assam, and Central Institute of Psychiatry in Ranchi. Mental health services are also available at all AIIMS facilities.
The government has introduced a National Tele Mental Health Programme to further enhance access to quality mental health counseling and care services nationwide.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the government's commitment to mental health through the NMHP. This initiative promises to enhance services that are crucial for societal well-being, particularly for vulnerable groups like postpartum mothers.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Mental Health Programme?
The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) is a government initiative aimed at strengthening mental health services throughout India, including support for postpartum mothers and various mental health facilities.
How many districts are covered under the DMHP?
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is set to be implemented in 767 districts across the country.
What services are included under the DMHP?
DMHP services include outpatient care, assessment, counseling, psycho-social interventions, ongoing care, medications, and outreach services.
Are there inpatient facilities available?
Yes, the program provides for a 10-bed inpatient facility at the district level.
What other support has the government provided for mental health?
The government has upgraded numerous health centers, launched the National Tele Mental Health Programme, and supported medical colleges to strengthen mental health specialties.
