Chandigarh, August 17: Data from the State Health Agency reveals that individuals aged 18 to 45 account for more than 75 per cent of all mental health care beneficiaries receiving cashless treatment under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana.
Between January and August 11, 2026, the state initiative provided cashless care to 709 patients, amounting to treatment worth ₹83.36 lakh. Out of these, 284 beneficiaries belonged to the 31–45 age bracket, while 249 fell within the 18–30 age group.
“Mental healthcare should not become a luxury that a family seeks only when it can afford it,” stated Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, adding that if someone needs professional help, the focus should remain on getting that person the right care at the right time.
Medical experts noted that the high proportion of young beneficiaries aligns with critical life stages where economic and domestic pressures accumulate.
“The 18–45 age group is particularly important from a mental-health perspective because this is the phase when people are building careers, managing relationships, raising families and handling significant financial responsibilities,” affirmed Dr Gagandeep Sekhon, Consultant Psychiatrist at Civil Hospital Barnala.
The analysis shows significant treatment volume for mood disorders, stress-related conditions, and issues related to psychoactive substance use. State officials maintained that the ₹10 lakh annual cashless cover per family helps address key financial hesitations, complementing initiatives like Yudh Nashean Virudh for de-addiction and CM Di Yogshala for community wellness.
