Historic Precepts and Analysis of Mental Health Legislation in India: Implications for Health Management during Pandemic and Beyond

Abstract

Mental health has become one of the growing concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in almost all age groups. Further, the awareness and the facilities in regard to mental health issues stays limited to the privileged class of the society. It has further raised concerns to look for ways to effectively and equitably implement mental health legislation in India, where social stigma in approaching mental health services is also very high. This article analyses the historical precepts of mental health services in India and explores the implementation status of mental health legislation 2017 across different states. It also explores some of the issues related to social stigma which acts as a challenge in utilisation of mental health services. It recommends a need for expansion in mental health professionals’ numbers along with adequate infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas, to make mental health services equitably accessible to all. Mental health awareness generation and therapeutic services for underprivileged class and for COVID-19 affected families should qualify as eligible initiative under corporate social responsibility funding. In this manner, corporates can supplement government efforts to ensure the implementation of mental health legislation in letter and spirit for the benefit of all the citizens.