New Delhi: Internet searches related to mental health in India increased by 41% during the first 10 months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to a report by Justdial. This reflects a growing recognition among Indians of the importance of mental well-being alongside physical health. Overall healthcare-related queries rose by 23% during this time.
The report highlighted a notable rise in healthcare awareness in non-metropolitan cities, which registered a 25% increase in searches. Among major cities, Kolkata (43%), Mumbai (36%), and Kozhikode (29%) saw the highest growth in searches for psychologists, indicating a heightened focus on mental health.
Physical wellness also gained traction, with orthopaedic care searches increasing by 38% nationwide. Cities like Lucknow (37%), Delhi (36%), Bengaluru, and Patna (both 32%) led this trend. Interest in women’s healthcare rose as well, with searches for gynaecologists and obstetricians up by 28%. Pune (33%), Hyderabad (31%), and Mumbai (29%) recorded the strongest growth in this category.
The report noted a contrast between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. While metro cities saw a 15% rise in healthcare searches—Delhi leading with a 20% increase—non-metro cities outpaced them. Chandigarh (31%), Lucknow (23%), and Surat (22%) demonstrated robust growth, suggesting a rising health consciousness in smaller urban centres.
Interest in Ayurvedic medicine also grew, with searches for Ayurvedic doctors up by 18% nationwide, particularly in Delhi (29%) and Mumbai (21%). This aligns with a 13% increase in searches for general physicians, indicating a balanced approach to healthcare that integrates modern medicine with traditional wellness practices.
“From mental health to reproductive care, and from specialized treatments to traditional healing, Indians are embracing a more proactive and holistic approach to health and well-being,” the report concluded.
