Experts Call on Centre to Eliminate 18% GST on Mental Health Services in Union Budget 2024

There is a lack of mental health professionals in India, which is a significant concern, as stated by an expert. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder & Director of Manasthali Wellness, emphasized the need for the government to remove or reduce the 18 per cent GST on mental health services in the upcoming Budget.

Experts have observed a decline in mental health and an increased demand for health insurance policies covering both physical and mental health. However, the cost of available medications and therapies proves to be a barrier for many individuals, preventing them from seeking help.

Counselling psychologist Divya Mohindroo highlighted the necessity for comprehensive policies to address India’s mental health crisis and emphasized the need to expand the workforce in the sector. She pointed out that out of an estimated 150 million individuals requiring mental health services, fewer than 30 million seek help due to the lack of mental health professionals in India.

The scarcity is evident, with only 0.3 psychiatrists, 0.07 psychologists, and 0.07 social workers available per 100,000 people. Mohindroo stressed the urgency of strengthening India’s mental health workforce and suggested providing scholarships to address the professional training gap.

The experts also emphasized the importance of incorporating mental health services into healthcare insurance coverage. They called for extending tax benefits to private practitioners to alleviate their financial burden and reduce the overall cost of mental health care.

This would enhance public accessibility to mental health services, allowing citizens to seek the necessary care without facing financial strain. Overall, there is a pressing need for the government to prioritize mental health in the upcoming Budget and take specific measures to address this urgent issue.