Gap between actual and required Mental Health Professional in India

Abstract

Indian is second largest country(population-wise) in the world and having a unique cultural belief system. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, India has one of the largest population suffering with mental illnesses. More than 80% of people do not seek any professional help in India. Approximately 150 million people in India need therapy for their mental health disorders. Yet, less than only 30 million people seek help. The shortage is primarily because of many Indian psychiatrists moving abroad for 'greener pastures'. Surprisingly, both UK and US have more number of Indian psychiatrists than India. Interventions in the form of medicine and psychosocial management can make a huge difference (Mental Health Crisis in India 2019). A WHO study mentioned that the treatment gap (the number of people with disease who are not in treatment) of mental disorders in developing countries was 76%-85% (Demyttenaere.k et al 2019). National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), also emphasized the treatment gap of any mental disorder in India was reported to be as high as 83% (Gururaj G.et al 2016)