Philanthropy Must Focus on India’s Mental Health Crisis

India faces a significant mental health crisis, with one in seven people suffering from mental illness and approximately 70–92 percent of these disorders going untreated. According to the World Health Organization, this mental health burden could result in economic losses of about USD 1.03 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to poor mental health in the workplace, which affects productivity and increases employee turnover. Additionally, out-of-pocket expenses for mental healthcare can push families below the poverty line.

Despite the enormity of the issue, public spending on mental health in India has stagnated at around 1 percent of the overall health budget over the past five years. This highlights the critical need for philanthropic and private sector resources to fill the funding gaps and address the mental health crisis effectively.

The Role of Philanthropy in Addressing Mental Health

Philanthropic giving has the flexibility to make a significant impact and create lasting change, especially in areas where it is most needed, such as primary care. It can also provide risk capital for innovation, science, and research, which is essential in the mental health field.

To better understand the philanthropic response to mental health challenges in India, the Centre for Asian Philanthropy India (CAPI) conducted interviews with 43 donors, nonprofit leaders, and experts from 31 organizations working to improve mental health. The insights from these interviews are detailed in a report titled “Mindful Investments: Philanthropy for Mental Health in India.” The report highlights key approaches, challenges, and recommendations for donors to better address India’s mental health needs.

Key Findings from the CAPI Report

1. Limited but Increasing Funding for Mental Health

India is a low-income economy with competing needs for resources across various sectors like nutrition, education, housing, and physical health. Consequently, mental health has traditionally been a low priority for donors. However, in the last decade, domestic giving for mental health programming has seen a shift, driven by increased awareness and sensitization around mental illness, especially during the pandemic. As a result, many domestic donors have created separate portfolios or verticals to fund mental health interventions.

2. Three Key Approaches in Philanthropic Giving

Philanthropy in mental health in India is growing and adapting to address the continuum of needs in this field. Three key approaches have emerged among domestic donors:

Institutional Approach: This approach involves providing treatment and care through institutions or facilities and qualified medical professionals. Donors support such facilities to address immediate needs, particularly for those with severe mental illnesses. For instance, the Udaan collaboration between Tata Trusts and the Government of Maharashtra reformed the Regional Mental Hospital in Nagpur, enhancing its therapeutic environment and clinical processes.

Community-Led Approach: This approach brings caregiving outside of institutions and directly to individuals in need, utilizing trained community-based workers like auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and accredited social health activists (ASHAs). Community mental health (CMH) models are cost-effective and can reach remote areas. However, public funding is predominantly allocated to tertiary care institutions, and primary healthcare centers are often neglected.

Research and Scientific Programs: Donors support research by funding programs at universities or healthcare institutes. For example, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP) made a significant grant to NIMHANS and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) to set up the Centre for Brain and Mind. Such research can influence future interventions across the institutional and community-led approaches.

The Path Forward

To effectively address the mental health crisis in India, it is essential for philanthropic organizations to prioritize mental health in their funding strategies. Here are some recommendations based on the CAPI report:

Increase Awareness and Advocacy: Philanthropic organizations should invest in awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of mental health and the effectiveness of community-based models. Effective advocacy can help attract more funding and support for mental health initiatives.

Focus on Primary Care: Given the shortage of mental health professionals in India, it is crucial to invest in primary care and community-led models. These models can provide basic mental health services and referrals, ensuring wider reach and impact.

Support Research and Innovation: Funding research and innovation can lead to the development of new treatment methods and better understanding of mental health issues in the Indian context. This can inform and improve interventions at all levels.

Collaborate with Government and Private Sector: Partnerships between philanthropic organizations, the government, and the private sector can lead to more comprehensive and sustainable solutions. Collaborative efforts can pool resources, expertise, and reach to address the mental health crisis effectively.

Conclusion

India’s mental health crisis is a significant challenge with far-reaching social, economic, and health implications. While government support is crucial, it is not sufficient to address the crisis alone. Philanthropy has a vital role to play in bridging the funding gaps, promoting innovation, and supporting community-led approaches.

By prioritizing mental health, increasing awareness, focusing on primary care, supporting research, and fostering collaborations, philanthropic organizations can make a substantial impact on improving mental health outcomes in India. Through concerted efforts, we can ensure that mental health is no longer a neglected issue but a priority that receives the attention and resources it deserves.