Maharashtra directs districts to expand mental health services after psychiatric bed shortage report

Maharashtra's public health department has directed all districts to strengthen the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), expanding access to treatment, counselling, and follow-up services at government healthcare facilities. The order follows a September 6 report highlighting the lack of psychiatric beds in district hospitals. The September 23 directive targets deputy directors, civil surgeons, and district health officers. It mandates outpatient and inpatient care, medicines, and community interventions, while ensuring DMHP staff are dedicated to mental healthcare. The move addresses pressure on four regional mental hospitals in Pune, Thane, Nagpur, and Ratnagiri, which handled about 2.29 lakh patients in 2025-26. Districts must conduct monthly reviews, promote the 24x7 Tele-MANAS helpline, and focus on suicide prevention and child mental health. Awareness activities will involve ASHA workers and primary healthcare staff, with special follow-up for severe mental illness patients.