Experts have raised concerns over Kerala’s mental healthcare infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need for more staff, a structured action plan, and increased public awareness. They highlight that despite the state’s advancements in healthcare, mental health services remain understaffed and underfunded, making it difficult to meet the growing demand for psychological support.
A key challenge is the stigma surrounding mental health, which prevents many individuals from seeking timely treatment. Experts are calling for a well-defined action plan, improved accessibility to mental health services, and the recruitment of more trained professionals to bridge the existing gap. They also stress the need for community-driven awareness programs to ensure early intervention and destigmatization of mental illnesses.
As Kerala grapples with a rising mental health crisis, professionals urge the government and healthcare institutions to prioritize reforms to create a more inclusive and effective mental healthcare system.
