Context:

Recently, the Union Budget 2026–2027 announced the setting up of a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS-2) in northern India. NIMHANS-2 will be modeled on the existing NIMHANS in Bengaluru, focusing on high-quality treatment, training, and research in neurosciences and mental healthcare.

About Mental Health:

• • • Mental health refers to a state of well-being in which individuals can cope with normal stresses of life, work productively, learn effectively, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
    • Poor mental health can manifest in disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other severe conditions, affecting physical health, relationships, and productivity. In India, rising stress levels, rapid urbanisation, and post-pandemic challenges have significantly increased demand for mental healthcare. Timely access to support and treatment prevents crises, improves quality of life, and strengthens social stability and economic productivity.

Union Budget 2026–2027 Initiatives:

• • • NIMHANS Expansion
      • Establishment of NIMHANS-2 in northern India.
      • Modeled on NIMHANS, Bengaluru, focusing on high-quality treatment, research, and training.
      • Aims to correct regional imbalances and expand tertiary mental healthcare access.
    • Upgradation of Existing Institutes
      • The Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP), Ranchi and the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health (LGBRIMH), Tezpur will be upgraded as Regional Apex Institutions.
      • These upgrades will enhance specialised care, academic excellence, research capacity, and trauma support services in eastern and northeastern India.
    • Establishment of Emergency and Trauma Care Centres
      • Emergency and Trauma Care Centres will be set up in district hospitals nationwide.
      • They will provide affordable, 24×7 emergency medical and mental health services.
      • The initiative strengthens crisis response mechanisms for accident victims, survivors of violence, and individuals facing acute psychological distress.
      • Collectively, these measures aim to reduce disparities, improve affordability, and strengthen mental healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

India’s Mental Health Journey:

India has steadily built its mental healthcare ecosystem through legislative, institutional, and digital reforms.

• • • National Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
      • Replaced the Mental Health Act, 1987.
      • Guarantees the right to affordable and quality mental healthcare.
      • Protects dignity and rights in line with the UNCRPD.
      • Decriminalises suicide attempts, emphasising rehabilitation.
    • National Health Policy, 2017
      • Recognises mental health as a national priority.
      • Promotes specialist training and workforce expansion.
      • Strengthens primary and community-based mental healthcare.
    • Integration through Ayushman Bharat
      • Over 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs provide comprehensive primary healthcare, including mental health services.
      • Under PM-JAY, 22 mental health procedures are covered with cashless treatment.
    • NMHP and DMHP:
      • Launched in 1982, the National Mental Health Programme integrates mental healthcare into general health services. The District Mental Health Programme, initiated in 1996, now covers 767 districts, providing outpatient care, inpatient facilities, suicide prevention initiatives, and awareness campaigns with dedicated mental health teams.
    • National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022):
      • Aims to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030.
      • Promotes screening in schools and workplaces.
      • Establishes crisis helplines and targeted support for high-risk groups.
    • National Tele-Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS):
      • Launched in 2022, Tele-MANAS provides 24×7 toll-free counselling  in 20 languages. Over 33 lakh calls have been handled. It includes a mobile app, AI chatbot “Asmi,” and nationwide video consultation services, acting as the digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme.

Together, these initiatives reinforce India’s commitment to building an inclusive, accessible, and resilient mental healthcare system.