Depressive disorders prevalence among adults estimated to be 2.7%: MoS Health

As per the National Mental Health Survey 2016, conducted by National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru in 12 States of the country, the prevalence of depressive disorders among adults of 18+ years population in India is estimated to be 2.7 per cent, said Union Minister of State for Health Dr. Bharti Pravin Pawar in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.


Pawar said that as per the survey, mental health problems are both a cause and consequence of several disorders, non-communicable diseases, addiction problems, injury and violence, social problems and are linked to social determinants of health.


For providing affordable and accessible mental healthcare facilities to the population, the Government is implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in the country, she said, adding that the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) component of the NMHP has been sanctioned for implementation in 704 districts for which support is provided to States/UTs through the National Health Mission. 


Dr Pawar in her reply said that the facilities made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels, include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc. In addition to above services there is a provision of 10 bedded in-patient facility at the district level.