Thiruvananthapuram: The second phase of the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), led by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) on behalf of the Union Health Ministry, has officially begun in Kerala.
The survey aims to map the prevalence of mental health disorders, capture region-specific challenges, and generate data that will guide the design of evidence-based policy interventions.
Key Focus Areas
According to officials, the study will assess:
- Prevalence of mental health conditions among adults and adolescents
- Levels of psychological stress and extent of disability caused by such conditions
- Socio-economic burden on families and caregivers
- Adequacy and reach of existing healthcare systems
Implementation in Kerala
- The initiative is being coordinated by the Departments of Psychiatry and Community Medicine at Alappuzha Government Medical College.
- Coverage will include five districts—Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Wayanad, and Palakkad—along with four major urban centres: Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode.
- The survey is being overseen by an advisory committee chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Dr. Rajan N. Khobragade, with Director of Medical Education Dr. K.V. Viswanathan and Director of Health Services Dr. K.J. Reena as members.
Government’s Stand
Health Minister Veena George expressed confidence that the findings would provide critical insights into Kerala’s mental health scenario and help strengthen targeted interventions across the state.
