Gandhigram Trust

Comprehensive mental healthcare for rural communities

CURRENT IMPACT

As on September 2024

23,000+

screened for mental health

300+

patients enrolled for mental health treatment

Geographical Focus
  • Tamil Nadu
Potential Impact
  • Screen

    10,000+

    for mental health

Samridh support

SAMRIDH is supporting Gandhigram Trust with a milestone-based grant to integrate specialized mental health services into the Kasturba Hospital. Under this initiative, Gandhigram Trust will focus on community sensitization for raising awareness on mental health issues, screening of population, , counseling, and medication support from specialized psychiatrist.. Through these efforts, the project aims to significantly improve access to mental healthcare in the region, with the ultimate goals of reducing suicide rates, enhancing school performance among youth, and strengthening family dynamics.

~10.6%

Of India’s population live with mental health conditions [1]

~85%

 Of those in need of mental health care do not receive any services or support [2]

~6.7m

Adults and ~3,80,000 adolescents are likely to be suffering from one or more mental health problems in Tamil Nadu [3]

~94.2%

Is the treatment gap for any mental health problem in Tamil Nadu. [4]

Mental healthcare in India faces significant challenges, including high prevalence, lack of awareness, societal stigma, financial barriers, and limited access to resources. Tamil Nadu’s Athoor block in Dindigul district, lacks dedicated mental health facilities, residents to travel far for care. Additionally, stigma and fear prevent many from seeking help, while a shortage of mental health professionals exacerbates the issue. This affects individual well-being, families, and communities, underscoring the need for comprehensive interventions to address awareness, stigma, access, and affordability.

[1] PIB India. 2022. “ ECONOMIC SURVEY 2024 ADDRESSES MENTAL HEALTH AT THE ECONOMIC LEVEL FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. ” Press release. July 22, 2022.

[2] PLOS Blogs. 2023 “ PLOS Global Public Health. ” May 25, 2023.

[3] National Health Mission, “ Tamil Nadu Mental Healthcare Policy and Implementation Framework. ” Health and Family Welfare Department. 2019.

[4] Dinakaran, Damodharan, Arpitha Krishna, Aravind Raj Elangovan, Senthil Amudhan, Selvi Muthuswamy, Chellamuthu Ramasubramanian, Palanimuthu T. Sivakumar, et al. 2023. ” Epidemiological analysis of mental health morbidity in Tamil Nadu.” Indian Journal of Psychiatry 65 (12) : 1275–81.

The Gandhigram Trust, through its Kasturba Hospital, which features 150 beds and a team of 210 staff, delivers recognized, affordable healthcare in rural areas. The hospital is set to establish a dedicated mental health department for the people requiring mental healthcare in the Athoor Block aiming to provide comprehensive support that includes awareness, counseling, medication, and family assistance. This initiative seeks to address significant gaps in community mental health services and to consolidate mental health resources and support within one accessible facility.