A New Era for Mental Health: Ayushman Bharat's Expansive Care Packages

Minister Prataprao Jadhav disclosed that 77,634 mental health-related hospital admissions, worth Rs 87 Crore, have been authorized under Ayushman Bharat's scheme. The government is enhancing its mental health programs, launching digital training, and creating telehealth services to expand accessible care across the nation.

In a move to bolster mental healthcare infrastructure, the Minister of State for Health, Prataprao Jadhav, announced that the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme has facilitated 77,634 hospitalizations specifically for mental health, tallying a cost of Rs 87 crore. This announcement was made during the Rajya Sabha session on Tuesday.

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) includes comprehensive packages covering 1,961 medical procedures across various specialties, with mental disorders prominently featured. Mental health services offered extend to managing schizophrenia and autism, among others. States are allowed flexibility to tailor these services effectively.

Furthermore, the government has intensified its efforts by establishing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) targeting 767 districts. Digital initiatives, such as the National Tele Mental Health Programme and Tele MANAS Mobile App, are also underway, offering extensive support for mental well-being and disorders, ensuring widespread accessibility.

(With inputs from agencies.)