Ms. Richa Singh, Co-Founder & CEO, YourDOST.

“With February less than 2 weeks away, all eyes are surely set on this year’s Financial Budget allocation.

Overall, the total health budget estimate for the 2022-23 year was INR 86,200.65 crores, out of which, INR 83,000 crore has been allocated to the Department of Health and Mental Health. While mental health concerns have plunged in the recent past, we certainly believe that this year, we will have more holistic contributions in the health sector, specifically in the mental health section to reduce the existing treatment gap.

In my opinion as a Mental Health entrepreneur, the Union Budget of 2023-2024 must acknowledge the increase in mental health issues in India. So the budget for mental health should allocate resources for the holistic treatment of mental health issues with creating provisions to use PSR budgets on health/mental health initiatives for underprivileged sections. Furthermore, training programs around stress management for our frontline workers must be designed apart from mandating emotional wellness programs for colleges and corporates. A key incorporation would be the exemption or reduction of GST on counseling services for citizens. This will ensure greater affordability of quality services and greatly benefit the masses.

In 2023-24, the Finance Minister should also be vigilant of ensuring a budget for effective implementation, regulation, and governance of Mental Health policies”.