Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Country Resources Mental Health Policies India 1 October 2014 Policy document

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This Policy is inclusive in nature and incorporates an integrated, participatory, rights and evidence based approach. Mental health issues are addressed in a comprehensive manner to address medical and non-medical aspects of mental health. This Policy does not reduce mental health interventions to merely disease and disability prevention and it takes into account the need for all stakeholders to work synergistically and achieve common policy goals.

This Policy acknowledges the significance and importance of relevant and useful local knowledge and practices. While some of the policy recommendations are generic in nature, details have also been incorporated where necessary, especially to highlight neglected issues. Global thinking has been taken into account along with ground realities and variations of the Indian context. Significantly, the need to address the social determinants of mental health such as poverty, environmental issues and education are duly recognized.

The strategic areas identified for action are, inter alia, effective governance and accountability, promotion of mental health, prevention of mental disorders and suicide, universal access to mental health services, enhanced availability of human resources for mental health, community participation, research, monitoring and evaluation.

The Government believes that mental health is an integral part of our overall health endeavour. A holistic approach that recognizes strong linkage of body, mind and soul is necessary. Strengthening of health infrastructure must be effected along with addressing the social determinants of health and mental health.

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