The Mental Health Care Act 2017 and Mental Health Resource Allocation in India

Abstract

Abstract Mental health policymakers are now tasked with maximizing the efficient and effective use of mental health resources as a result of fundamental changes to mental health laws. A crucial step in this process is ensuring optimal resource allocation across the service. Multiple biases prevent policymakers from allocating resources to mental health, resulting in a violation of the right to health, an increase in suffering, and a heavy economic burden associated with mental illness. This article provides a summary of Indian mental health policy, examines Indian public perceptions of mental health, and assesses the impact of these perceptions on legislation and mental health resource allocation. Understanding resource allocation from the perspective of policymakers can enhance psychiatrists’ ability to influence the process.