India Expands Mental Health Insurance Coverage
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has introduced a new Master Circular aimed at enhancing health insurance options for policyholders. Effective from May 29, 2024, this directive mandates insurers to offer products that cover a wide range of medical conditions, including pre-existing and chronic diseases. Additionally, insurers must comply with the Mental Health Care Act of 2017, ensuring that mental health coverage is included in their offerings.
Comprehensive Coverage Under Ayushman Bharat Scheme
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has recently updated its Health Benefit Package (HBP) to include cashless healthcare services for 1,961 procedures across 27 medical specialties. This includes 22 procedures specifically related to mental health, such as treatments for schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual disabilities. States have been granted the flexibility to tailor these packages to meet local healthcare needs, enhancing accessibility for eligible beneficiaries.
As of March 21, 2025, the National Health Authority (NHA) reported that 77,634 hospital admissions, amounting to ₹87 crore, have been authorized under this scheme. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving mental health services and ensuring that individuals receive the necessary care without financial burden.
Strengthening Mental Health Infrastructure
The Indian government is actively working to enhance mental healthcare facilities through the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP). A key component of this initiative is the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), which has been approved for implementation in 767 districts. This program provides support to states and union territories via the National Health Mission, offering outpatient services, counseling, and ongoing care for individuals with severe mental disorders. Facilities at the community health center and primary health center levels include access to medications, outreach services, and even ambulance services.
Moreover, the government has established a provision for 10-bedded inpatient facilities at the district level, ensuring that those in need of more intensive care can receive it. To further bolster mental health services, over 1.75 lakh Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, integrating mental health, neurological, and substance use disorder services into their offerings.
Innovative Approaches to Mental Health Care
In an effort to improve mental health services, the government has sanctioned 25 Centres of Excellence under the tertiary care component of the NMHP. These centers aim to increase the intake of students in postgraduate mental health specialties and provide advanced treatment facilities. Additionally, 19 government medical colleges are receiving support to strengthen 47 postgraduate departments focused on mental health.
Currently, India has 47 government-run mental hospitals, including three central institutions dedicated to mental health. Services are also available at all All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). To address the shortage of mental health professionals, the government has initiated online training programs through Digital Academies established at key mental health institutes. Since 2018, 42,488 healthcare professionals have been trained to enhance service delivery in underserved areas.
Furthermore, the National Tele Mental Health Programme, launched on October 10, 2022, aims to improve access to mental health counseling and care. As of March 19, 2025, 36 states and union territories have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells, handling over 1.9 million calls through their helpline. The Tele MANAS Mobile Application, introduced on World Mental Health Day in 2024, serves as a comprehensive platform for mental health support, addressing a wide range of issues from general well-being to serious mental disorders.
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