How is India’s Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 tracking?
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Summary
The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (MHCA), which came into force in 2018, marked a significant shift in India's approach to mental healthcare. The MHCA seeks to protect the rights of persons with mental illness by recognising their autonomy, legal capacity, and right to access mental healthcare and treatment without discrimination. The importance of this legislation can be understood amidst the long history of abuse, stigma, discrimination, and coercion experienced by people with mental healt
Key Facts
TypeLong read
SourceIDR Online
PublishedWednesday, 16 September 2026
Affected Population1.4 billion citizens, 5 million healthcare workers
Key Numbers
Health budget: Rs 90,958 crore (2025-26)
Target: 2.5% of GDP public health spending
1.5 lakh Health & Wellness Centres planned
Merchandise exports: $437 billion (2024-25)
Key Authorities
Key Stakeholders
Government Context
NDA IIIBJP-led NDA
LeftCentreRight