The Budget is set to provide access to quality mental health counselling and care services: IHW Council

"The finance minister has announced the launch of the National Tele Mental Health Programme and this is set to provide access to quality mental health counselling and care services. This is quite a significant decision, given the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has the mental health of people from all walks of life in the last two years, in an unprecedented manner. It has already been observed that mental health crises are at an all-time high in our country, with high distress and anxiety due to this pandemic resulting in poor psychological well-being, an increase in suicidal tendency, to name a few. Mental health experts have long opined for one such programme that will allow us to tackle these problems more comprehensively. Therefore, the following announcement by the Government of India will benefit millions of Indian citizens."