• NMHS-2 to study conflict, disaster-linked mental health
• Tele-MANAS, IMHANS drive expansion of services
Srinagar: The Union Government on Friday said it is expanding mental healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir, with the National Mental Health Survey-2 (NMHS-2) assessing mental health disorders linked to conflict, disasters and substance abuse, while 71 psychiatrists are currently serving in government institutions across the Union Territory.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo.
Replying to a query on whether the government had assessed mental health disorders arising from prolonged conflict, natural disasters and substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, is conducting the National Mental Health Survey-2 across all states and Union Territories.
He said the survey covers adolescents aged 13-17 years and adults above 18 years and has expanded its scope to include vulnerable groups and public health priorities such as children’s and women’s mental health, geriatric mental health, migration, climate change, tribal communities and mental healthcare during disasters.
On manpower, the Centre informed Parliament that Jammu and Kashmir has around 120 psychiatrists and 40 clinical psychologists across government and private institutions. Of these, 71 psychiatrists and 10 clinical psychologists are posted in government healthcare facilities.
The government also stated that counsellors are available across all districts through Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs), District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs) and Government Medical Colleges, while counselling services are also being provided through Tele-MANAS under the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Srinagar.
Providing details of district-wise mental healthcare infrastructure, the Minister said psychiatry departments with Addiction Treatment Facilities are operational in Government Medical Colleges at Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, Doda, Anantnag, Baramulla, Handwara and Bemina.
District Mental Health Units or Addiction Treatment Facilities are functioning in district hospitals of Reasi, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Budgam, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Ramban, Poonch, Samba and Kishtwar.
The government said IMHANS Srinagar, a 160-bed Centre of Excellence under the National Mental Health Programme, continues to serve as the nodal institution for psychiatric care, training and human resource development in Jammu and Kashmir.
It also informed Parliament that 21 Addiction Treatment Facilities are operational across all districts of the Union Territory.
Highlighting measures taken to strengthen mental healthcare, the Centre said MD Psychiatry has been introduced at Government Medical College Jammu, while efforts are underway to integrate mental healthcare into the primary healthcare system to improve accessibility and community-based treatment.
The government further said 12 medical officers have completed the Diploma in Community Mental Health through an online programme conducted by NIMHANS, while 10 psychiatrist posts have been approved under the National Mental Health Programme for districts in the Jammu division.
Additionally, 30 medical officers have been nominated for a six-month online mental health training programme at NIMHANS under the National Health Mission.
The Minister added that digital mental healthcare services are also being expanded through Tele-MANAS, aimed at improving access, affordability and acceptability of mental health services across Jammu and Kashmir.
