More people in Punjab are now able to access treatment for mental health conditions through cashless healthcare coverage under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY), which aims to reduce financial barriers and encourage timely care, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said on Wednesday.
The Health Minister said the scheme includes coverage for a wide range of mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, stress-related conditions and substance-use disorders. "Advanced treatment options such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), along with diagnostic investigations, are also part of the approved package under government hospitals," he added.
Mental health continues to be a significant public health concern in India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Mental Health Survey of India (NIMHANS, 2016), an estimated 15 to 20 crore people in the country are affected by mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders and related illnesses.
However, a large treatment gap persists due to stigma, lack of awareness and shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “Mental health deserves the same priority as physical health.
Conditions like depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders are treatable, and people should not delay seeking professional help. Increased awareness, wider availability of services and cashless treatment support under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana are helping more patients seek help at an early stage, reducing delays in diagnosis and intervention.”
The Health Minister urged people experiencing symptoms of mental illness to seek timely treatment at government health facilities, stating that early care can help prevent long-term complications. "Out of the 2300 procedures, covered under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, the Mental health packages are among the 81 reserved procedures available at government hospitals across the state," he noted.
Dr Singh, also shared, “Stress, depression, and anxiety are often rooted in everyday routines. Through CM Di Yogshala, we are promoting yoga as a powerful tool for mental well-being, emotional balance and healthier living. A calm mind leads to a healthy heart, and together we are building a healthier Punjab”
According to data from the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, 457 beneficiaries have already availed treatment under the mental health packages at government hospitals. The total claim amount under these services, till now, amounts to ₹55 lakh.
Dr Gagandeep Sekhon, Consultant Psychiatrist at Civil Hospital, Barnala, said awareness around mental health is slowly improving. “People are now beginning to understand that mental health conditions are like any other medical illness and require proper treatment.
Earlier, many avoided seeking help due to social stigma and financial concerns,” he said. Dr Gagandeep Sekhon stressed that, academic pressure, job insecurity, financial strain, social media overuse, and lack of social support are among the major factors impacting mental health.
“People in the 18–45 age group are particularly vulnerable as they face multiple transitions in life, including higher education pressures, career instability, workplace stress, relationship challenges and increasing economic responsibilities, often with limited emotional support systems," he added.
He added that several factors such as fast-paced lifestyles, reduced family interaction, constant digital exposure, and work-related stress are contributing to rising mental health issues. “Young adults in their productive years are more affected because they are navigating education, jobs, relationships and financial pressures simultaneously, often without adequate coping mechanisms,” he said.
Dr Gagandeep Sekhon further noted that cashless treatment under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana has encouraged more people to approach hospitals for consultation and care. “Early intervention is crucial in improving outcomes and preventing complications,” he said.