Publication:

Investing in preventive and promotive mental health: a call for public financing reform in India’s primary health care

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, yet it imposes a significant burden on healthcare systems globally. In India, one in eight individuals suffers from mental disorders, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent. Despite policies emphasizing comprehensive, community-based support, budgetary trends disproportionately prioritize palliative-rehabilitative care over preventive and promotive measures. This article highlights the challenges of translating policy visions into actionable, fundable programs, given that mental health allocations constitute less than 1% of the national budget. It emphasizes the need for strengthening intersectoral collaborations, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering innovative research to evaluate cost-effective interventions. Prioritizing preventive and promotive mental healthcare is essential to address the escalating burden of mental health conditions. Achieving equitable and sustainable mental health outcomes in India requires integrating services and funding across sectors while ensuring robust policy implementation and community-based care.