INDIA

World Health Organization (WHO)

Introduction and India’s Stance India is honored with the title of the largest democracy as
well as the seventh largest country and the fifth largest world GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
in 2024. Undeniably it possesses a diverse nature in the matter of race, creed, cast, culture
religion, tribe, language etc. From long it has faced many ups and downs regarding the
mental health issues faced by its people. India has aligned with the World Health
Organization’s, The WHO Indian Country Cooperation Strategy 2019-2023 deals with the
socioeconomic factors, mental well-being etc. It doesn’t only safeguards and upholds the
right of individuals going through mental issues but also involves many cleaning measures
for establishing the right to environment as per M.C Mehta vs. Union of India AIR 1987 SC
1086 and Kharak Singh v. State fo Uttar Pradesh’s verdict where it was held that the term
“life” was interpreted as far beyond than mere animal existence. By embracing the WHO
Mental Health Action Plan, India doesn’t only lightens the burden of one of the heaviest
global issue but it also plays its role as a guiding torch for the other developing nations to
explore. The Indian government has made this a successful attempt with the aid of the
National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), which has taken oath to provide mental
welfare schemes affordable among the marginalized communities. The Mental Healthcare
Act of 2017 which was formed way before the WHO India Country Cooperation Strategy
2019–2023 began the act solidifies this pledge by legally binding mental health care
provisions on national level.

What is your allocated country doing regarding the topic? India’s response to the WHO
Mental Health Action Plan has been proactive and multifaceted. The National Mental Health
Programme (NMHP) at the forefront has been aiming for decades towards the successfully
endorsement of the availability and accessibility of minimum mental healthcare for its
people. The NMHP’s objectives include prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental
disorders. As mentioned before hand , the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 reflects India’s
mental health policy, providing a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals with
mental illnesses and ensuring care and services at community and district levels. This act
also aids with the WHO’s action plan by emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care,
spanning outpatient to community-based services. According to the section 3 (1) of the
Mental Healthcare Act 2017 mental illness is determined by national or international
standards which also considers the latest edition of the International Classification of
Disease of the WHO. Section 97 (1) of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 states about the
prohibition of the practice of restraining and seclusion can the same can only gone though
if, for example:- (a)it is the only remedy otherwise the same can cause Imminent and
Immediate harm, (b)advised by the psychiatrist in charge,
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World Health Organization (WHO)
Mental health action plan: Promoting care and treatment
 The same shall not be continued longer then required to dodge any vital injury
 The medical officer in charge shall collect data regarding the method, justification
and the period of the same.
 It can’t be utilized as a means of disciplining and as a mare excuse of scarce of stuffs.
 Within the duration of twenty four hours the nominated representative of the
person with mental illness shall be made aware about every single scenario where
she or he was restraint.
 A report involving the scenarios of restraint should be sent to the Board in a limited
period of time (each monthly)

What are UN and other international Organizations doing regarding the topic? The UN
and a host of international entities are at the forefront of tackling the worldwide mental
health issues. The WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030, with the
UN’s backing, charts out a clear course for enhancing mental well-being, averting mental
illnesses, and ensuring that mental health services are accessible to all. Crafted after wide-
ranging discussions with 135 nations, a multitude of WHO collaborating centers,
universities, NGOs, and other specialists, the plan underscores the importance of decisive
leadership, all-encompassing care within community settings. The UN’s approach to mental
health in the workplace, created with the collaboration of agencies such as UNICEF,
UNESCO, and WHO, demonstrates a dedication to addressing mental health within
organizations. The goal is to foster workspaces that enhance mental well-being and offer
assistance for those facing mental health challenges. Their joint actions are vital for the
execution of the Mental Health Action Plan, particularly in regions with limited resources
where mental health issues are exacerbated by social stigma and insufficient healthcare
access.

Possible solution WHO Rises with the sun and commits to form to a world where mental
health flourishes and isn’t a burden. . This plan isn’t just a document; it’s a dawn of a new
era in mental health advocacy and care. Down bellow solutions of the same has been
written.

1. Legal provisions: India should continue to strengthen its mental health policies and
laws, ensuring they are in line with international standards like the Mental
Healthcare Act, 20171, to protect the rights and dignity of those with mental health
conditions.
2. Increasing Accessibility: Integrating mental health services into India’s primary
healthcare system is essential, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This
aligns with the objectives of the National Mental Health Programmers (NMHP)2 to
make mental healthcare accessible to all.
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World Health Organization (WHO)
Mental health action plan: Promoting care and treatment
3. Increasing the funding: Increasing funding for mental health is crucial. The Indian
government and international donors should allocate more resources to mental
health, as reflected in the recent Union Budget for Mental Health 2023-20243.
4. Awareness and Education: Launching public awareness campaigns and education
programs can help reduce stigma. Initiatives like the District Mental Health
Programme (DMHP) aim to increase awareness and reduce stigma related to mental
health problems.
5. Collaborative operations can foster: Building partnerships between the government,
NGOs, and the private sector for innovative solutions.