Chandigarh: In a significant push to democratize psychiatric healthcare, the state government has included comprehensive treatment for neurotic and stress-related disorders under the flagship Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. The policy shift treats mental health conditions as regular medical procedures, ensuring eligible citizens receive necessary clinical care without financial strain.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh asserted that physical and mental health demand equal priority within the public healthcare framework. He maintained that providing coverage under the state scheme will motivate patients to seek early intervention rather than ignoring symptoms due to financial constraints. Highlighting the clinical impact, psychiatrist Dr Gagandeep Sekhon affirmed that untreated anxiety and somatoform disorders frequently trigger physical ailments like muscle tension and digestive distress, severely impacting life quality.
The coverage encompasses generalized anxiety, phobic disorders, obsessive-compulsive conditions, and reaction to severe life stressors. Officials stated that removing treatment costs allows individuals to address mental health challenges before they escalate into debilitating crises, furthering the state’s broader commitment to accessible healthcare for all.
