On World Mental Health Day 2025, Punjab became the first Indian state to unveil a State Mental Health Policy focused on integrating emotional well-being into primary care and ensuring gender-sensitive, equitable access. It marks a long-awaited shift from hospital-based treatment to community-driven promotion of well-being.

India continues to face a 70–80 percent treatment gap for mental disorders, according to the National Mental Health Survey of India (NIMHANS, 2023). Most cases of anxiety, depression, and stress-related illnesses remain undiagnosed until they reach advanced stages. Strengthening Primary Health Centres (PHCs)—where most people first seek care—can change this narrative. When doctors and community health officers are trained to screen, counsel, and refer those in distress, help becomes accessible, stigma decreases, and mental wellness becomes as routine as managing diabetes or hypertension.

From a public health standpoint, prevention and promotion must take centre stage. Incorporating emotional wellness into school health programs, workplace initiatives, and disaster response plans ensures early detection and resilience-building. Community health workers, including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), can act as local gatekeepers—spreading awareness and recognizing early warning signs before crises develop.

Under the leadership of Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, the Punjab State Mental Health Policy 2025 emphasizes decentralizing services through the primary health system. It seeks to strengthen PHCs and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) with trained personnel, ensure gender-responsive care, and integrate psychological first aid into community outreach. The policy outlines convergence between the health, education, and social welfare departments, and proposes dedicated state and district mental health cells for implementation and monitoring. By linking the Tele-MANAS helpline with PHCs and establishing resource centers in every district hospital, Punjab positions itself as a frontrunner in India’s transition toward preventive, community-based care.

Technology, particularly through Tele-MANAS, also plays a crucial role in bridging care gaps. The Tele-MANAS programme can bridge geographical divides, provided digital literacy, confidentiality, and continuity of care are maintained. Yet, effective implementation will depend on trained manpower, sustained funding, cross-sectoral coordination, and regular evaluation through the Health Management Information System (HMIS).

The World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) offers a global framework for scaling up mental health care in primary settings, aligning with Punjab’s approach.

Ultimately, mental well-being is not merely a specialist concern—it’s a shared societal responsibility. Embedding it within primary care transforms our approach from crisis management to prevention, from stigma to support. With adequate political will and community participation, Punjab’s model can inspire other states to build a truly inclusive, preventive, and people-centred system.

HELPLINE NUMBERS:

• Tele-MANAS: 24/7 Free Mental Health Helpline – Government of India initiative providing toll-free support at 14416.

• For regional hotlines or crisis services, visit: https://findahelpline.com/countries/in

References

1. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). National Mental Health Survey of India. Bengaluru: NIMHANS; 2023.

Edited by M Subha Maheswari