Chandigarh: The state administration has integrated neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, treating mental healthcare on equal footing with physical health. The initiative aims to lower financial barriers and encourage early medical intervention for individuals experiencing anxiety, obsessive-compulsive conditions, and severe distress.
Addressing the policy inclusion, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh affirmed that families should not have to wait until reaching an emotional or financial breaking point to access mental health support. He declared that covering psychiatric treatments under the scheme will make professional care accessible to a broader demographic. Supporting this stance, Dr Gagandeep Sekhon, Consultant Psychiatrist at Civil Hospital Barnala, stated that stress-related conditions often impair daily routines, relationships, and professional responsibilities, particularly among individuals aged eighteen to forty-five.
The health package categorizes care for stress, anxiety, and somatoform conditions as a regular medical procedure, allowing eligible patients to seek covered treatment across empanelled facilities. Medical experts maintained that persistent distress manifests through both psychological and physical symptoms, including insomnia, chronic pain, and panic attacks. Authorities declared that eliminating out-of-pocket costs ensures families can pursue timely therapy without added financial burden.
