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Strengthening the Network of Mental Health Services - Devendra Fadnavis
Mumbai, 7th: The Government of Maharashtra has taken a significant step to effectively extend mental health services to rural and tribal areas of the state. A decision has been made to strengthen mental health services in Nagpur and Wardha districts under the ‘Udaan’ project. The state government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a five-year period between the Public Health Department and two voluntary organizations.
Under this government decision, the District Mental Health Programme will be implemented more effectively in collaboration with the ‘Gramin Adivasi Samaj Vikas Sanstha’ (Sausar, Madhya Pradesh) and the ‘Anyatha Foundation’. The agreement will be valid from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2031; as it is entirely non-financial in nature, it will impose no financial burden on the state government.
This decision is considered significant against the backdrop of rising mental health issues in the state. According to a survey by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), approximately 10 to 14 percent of adults in the country suffer from mental health disorders. Considering Maharashtra's population, the survey indicates that around 1.2 to 1.8 crore citizens are grappling with mental health issues.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has adopted a policy prioritizing mental health, with a focus on making healthcare services accessible to the common people. The ‘Udaan’ project is being expanded to ensure that mental health services are available more effectively in rural areas.
Under this project, mental health awareness campaigns will be conducted at the village level, with increased participation from Gram Panchayats, self-help groups, and youth groups. Additionally, arrangements will be made to provide mental health services at Primary Health Centres, conduct manpower training, implement maternal mental health programs, and offer psychiatric treatment and counseling services to patients with mild to moderate conditions. Following the positive response to the ‘Udaan’ project previously implemented in Nagpur district, the program is now being expanded to Wardha district as well. This initiative will facilitate access to mental health treatment and counseling services at the local level for residents of rural and tribal areas.
The Public Health Department has authorized the Director of Health Services for this agreement, aiming to strengthen the state's healthcare system through coordination between the government and voluntary organizations in the mental health sector.
Mumbai, 7th: The Government of Maharashtra has taken a significant step to effectively extend mental health services to rural and tribal areas of the state. A decision has been made to strengthen mental health services in Nagpur and Wardha districts under the ‘Udaan’ project. The state government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a five-year period between the Public Health Department and two voluntary organizations.
Under this government decision, the District Mental Health Programme will be implemented more effectively in collaboration with the ‘Gramin Adivasi Samaj Vikas Sanstha’ (Sausar, Madhya Pradesh) and the ‘Anyatha Foundation’. The agreement will be valid from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2031; as it is entirely non-financial in nature, it will impose no financial burden on the state government.
This decision is considered significant against the backdrop of rising mental health issues in the state. According to a survey by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), approximately 10 to 14 percent of adults in the country suffer from mental health disorders. Considering Maharashtra's population, the survey indicates that around 1.2 to 1.8 crore citizens are grappling with mental health issues.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has adopted a policy prioritizing mental health, with a focus on making healthcare services accessible to the common people. The ‘Udaan’ project is being expanded to ensure that mental health services are available more effectively in rural areas.
Under this project, mental health awareness campaigns will be conducted at the village level, with increased participation from Gram Panchayats, self-help groups, and youth groups. Additionally, arrangements will be made to provide mental health services at Primary Health Centres, conduct manpower training, implement maternal mental health programs, and offer psychiatric treatment and counseling services to patients with mild to moderate conditions. Following the positive response to the ‘Udaan’ project previously implemented in Nagpur district, the program is now being expanded to Wardha district as well. This initiative will facilitate access to mental health treatment and counseling services at the local level for residents of rural and tribal areas.
The Public Health Department has authorized the Director of Health Services for this agreement, aiming to strengthen the state's healthcare system through coordination between the government and voluntary organizations in the mental health sector.
Under this government decision, the District Mental Health Programme will be implemented more effectively in collaboration with the ‘Gramin Adivasi Samaj Vikas Sanstha’ (Sausar, Madhya Pradesh) and the ‘Anyatha Foundation’. The agreement will be valid from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2031; as it is entirely non-financial in nature, it will impose no financial burden on the state government.
This decision is considered significant against the backdrop of rising mental health issues in the state. According to a survey by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), approximately 10 to 14 percent of adults in the country suffer from mental health disorders. Considering Maharashtra's population, the survey indicates that around 1.2 to 1.8 crore citizens are grappling with mental health issues.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has adopted a policy prioritizing mental health, with a focus on making healthcare services accessible to the common people. The ‘Udaan’ project is being expanded to ensure that mental health services are available more effectively in rural areas.
Under this project, mental health awareness campaigns will be conducted at the village level, with increased participation from Gram Panchayats, self-help groups, and youth groups. Additionally, arrangements will be made to provide mental health services at Primary Health Centres, conduct manpower training, implement maternal mental health programs, and offer psychiatric treatment and counseling services to patients with mild to moderate conditions. Following the positive response to the ‘Udaan’ project previously implemented in Nagpur district, the program is now being expanded to Wardha district as well. This initiative will facilitate access to mental health treatment and counseling services at the local level for residents of rural and tribal areas.
The Public Health Department has authorized the Director of Health Services for this agreement, aiming to strengthen the state's healthcare system through coordination between the government and voluntary organizations in the mental health sector.
