The Indian government has unveiled a significant proposal in the Budget 2026-27 to establish a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, commonly referred to as NIMHANS-2. This strategic move aims to dramatically expand access to specialized mental healthcare services across the nation, particularly addressing the critical shortage in North India.
Addressing the North-South Divide in Mental Healthcare
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her budget speech, highlighted a glaring gap in the national mental health infrastructure. "There are no national institutes for mental healthcare in North India. We will therefore set up a NIMHANS-2 and also upgrade National Mental Health Institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur as Regional Apex Institutions," she announced. The original NIMHANS, based in Bengaluru, has long been a beacon of excellence in treating mental, neurological, and neurosurgical conditions. By scaling its proven expertise to a new northern hub, the government intends to meet the soaring national demand for mental health support and advanced neurological research.
"Empowering the vulnerable to access mental health and trauma care is also on the anvil," added Sitharaman, signaling a broader commitment to inclusive care.
The Silent Epidemic: A National Crisis
This policy intervention comes against the backdrop of what experts describe as a "silent epidemic" of mental health issues in India, with youth being disproportionately affected. The recently released Economic Survey 2025-26 points to digital addiction—fueled by pervasive social media and gaming—as a primary trigger. Alarmingly, the survey indicates that nearly 38% of young people exhibit symptoms of depression.
The crisis extends beyond social suffering to impose a staggering economic burden. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that mental health conditions could cost India an estimated $1.03 trillion in economic losses between 2012 and 2030. This is compounded by a high disability burden and a national suicide rate of 21.1 per 100,000 people. A severe shortage of professionals, with only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 citizens, creates a critical barrier to care.
Easing the Burden on Patients and Caregivers
Establishing a northern institute is expected to alleviate a significant logistical and financial strain on families. Psychologist Aanchal Anand explains, "For a patient in north or northeast India, travelling thousands of kilometres to Bengaluru creates a caregiver burnout cycle and financial anxiety." A new NIMHANS in the region would make specialized treatment far more accessible.
Samir Parikh, Chairperson at Fortis National Mental Health Programme, welcomed the focus, stating, "Mental health has too long remained at the margins of public discourse, despite its profound influence on productivity, families, and the social fabric of our nation."
Beyond Infrastructure: The Need for Holistic Solutions
While the establishment of NIMHANS-2 is widely seen as a commendable step, mental health professionals emphasize that infrastructure alone is insufficient. They call for a multi-pronged approach that includes prevention, early intervention, and grassroots awareness.
Focus on Vulnerable Groups and Prevention
The Economic Survey also flagged rising mental health vulnerabilities among migrant and gig workers, noting risks to labour productivity. Many migrants experience loneliness and social isolation in urban hubs, negatively impacting their well-being and leading to early job attrition.
Professor Prabha Chandra, a senior professor of psychiatry at NIMHANS Bengaluru, noted that while this budget marks a significant emphasis, sustained investment is key. "There is loneliness in the workplace, amongst students and it directly impacts productivity. Many health concerns like hypertension can also be linked to it. It now depends how the government plans to implement the efforts in smaller towns and villages where the access to therapists is less," she said.
Echoing the need for a broader strategy, Pooja Jain, CEO and Senior Psychotherapist at SafeStories in Pune, argued, "We need promotion and prevention-based programs, campaigns and systems at the grassroots. Our understanding of mental health either is limited at research or setting up a clinical set-up like NIMHANS. We need policies and strict monitoring at colleges, schools and workplaces."
The Path Forward: From Treatment to Prevention
Professor (Dr.) Nand Kumar of Psychiatry at AIIMS Delhi praised the government's focus but urged a shift towards prevention. "The government’s focus on mental health and the proposal to establish a 'NIMHANS-2' is a commendable move... However, our primary focus need to be more towards prevention of mental health disorder focusing on early detection and intervention, ensuring that mental health support is accessible enough so that no individual reaches the point of requiring hospitalization," he stated. He further stressed the imperative of focusing on suicide prevention and overall mental well-being.
The proposal for NIMHANS-2 represents a pivotal moment in India's public health policy, acknowledging the scale of the mental health crisis. Its success will hinge not only on the creation of a new institution but on a sustained, nationwide effort to integrate mental healthcare into the fabric of education, workplaces, and community life, moving from a model of crisis management to one of holistic well-being and prevention.
