Transforming India's Mental Health: The Economic Benefits of Universal Depression Screening

Integrating universal depression screening in India's primary healthcare can generate significant cost savings and improve mental health outcomes. The study, involving key Indian institutes, suggests that early detection can reduce yearly depression-related suicides by 15%. This initiative also demonstrates notable public health and economic benefits.

A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia highlights the tremendous economic and health benefits of implementing universal depression screening in India's primary healthcare system. According to the research, such integration could potentially save between Rs 291 billion and Rs 482 billion, accounting for 0.19% to 0.32% of the nation's GDP.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research and NIMHANS, indicates that screening individuals aged 20 and above would be more cost-effective than screening older populations. It also suggests that utilizing public healthcare facilities for at least 60% of depression treatments could further enhance cost savings.

With the study's assertion that population-wide screening could help avert up to 15% of depression-related suicides annually, the researchers advocate for a universal two-step screening strategy featuring the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 questionnaires. This strategy, they say, could yield substantial public health gains and solidify a healthcare model favoring early detection and intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)