Parliament Question: Cases of Dementia

GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 1036 TOBE ANSWERED ON05TH DECEMBER, 2025 CASES OFDEMENTIA 1036. SHRIAJAYKUMAR MANDAL: Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFAREbe pleasedtostate: (a) whether the Government proposes to draft and implement a National Policy to address the growing dementiacrisis inthe countryandif so, the detailsthereof; (b) the reasons for not incorporating it as part of any independent National Policy/Programme at present despite increasing prevalence rate of dementiainthe country; (c) whether the Government has evaluated for the integration of dementia care facilities to address it more systematically under existing programmes, like the National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE) or the National Mental Health Programme andif so, the details thereof; (d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to make referral pathways from the primarycare tospecialised care unitsfor treatmuchof dementia;and (e) whether the Government proposes for the registration of cases of a dementia, as suggested by the experts, to monitor distribution and trends of dementia across the States and if so, the details thereof,State-wise? ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SH.PRATAPRAOJADHAV) (a) to (e) The Government has recognized the growing challenges due to the increase in the prevalence of dementia. The issues related to dementia care, prevention and other related public health measures are covered by the existing policies and programs focused on ageing, non- communicablediseases and mentalhealth.Risk for Dementia can be potentially reduced by better management of Diabetes and Hypertension. Government of India isimplementing the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) with focus on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, screening, early detection and management of common Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including diabetes and hypertension. Screening for common NCDs is also an integral part of service delivery under Ayushman Bharat –HealthandWellnessCentres. Government is also implementing the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE). The major activitiesof NPHCE include setting upof Geriatric Department in regional Geriatric Centres (RGC) with OPD care services and 30 bedded Geriatric Ward, setting up of Geriatric units at District Hospitals to provide specialized Geriatric Services including a 10 bedded Geriatric Ward, establishment of a rehabilitation unit at all Community Health Centres and Geriatric Clinics twice a week, setting up of weekly Geriatric Clinic by trained Medical Officers at Primary Health Centres and information, education and communication activities on healthy lifestyle, home care to the bed ridden and supporting devices for the needy elderly persons at sub-centre level. Further, to address the burdenof mental disorders, the Government issupporting implementation of the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under NMHP in 767 districts of the country for detection, management and treatment of mental disorders/ illness. Under the Tertiary care component of National Mental Health Programme, 25 Centres of Excellence and 47 PG Departmentshave been sanctionedtoincrease the intake of students inPGdepartments inmental health specialities as well as to provide tertiary level treatment facilities. The Central and State Mental Health Institutions and the Psychiatric Wings of the Central and State medical colleges also have facilities for early detection and treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease, which is the most commoncause of Dementia. As per the information received from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Government is implementing the scheme Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), a component of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) under which grant in aid is provided to Non Governmental/ Voluntary Organisations for running and maintenance of senior citizen homes (old age homes) wherein facilities like shelter, nutrition, medicare and entertainment are provided free of cost to indigent senior citizens. Under the Scheme grants upto 100% of project cost are given for running and maintenance of Continuous Care Homes and Homes for senior citizens afflicted with Alzheimer's disease/ Dementia for a minimum of 20 Senior Citizens who are seriously ill requiring continuous nursing care and respite or those who are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease/ Dementia.In addition to the above, the Government is also taking steps to strengthen mental healthcare services at primary healthcare level. The Government has upgraded more than 1.81 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental health, Neurological and Substance use disorders (including Dementia) services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Operational guidelines on Mental, Neurological, andSubstance Use Disorders (MNS) includingdementiaat AyushmanArogya Mandirs have beenreleasedunderthe ambitof Ayushman Bharat. Besides the above, the Government has launched a “National Tele Mental Health Programme” (NTMHP) on 10th October, 2022, to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services inthe country. As on27.11.2025, 36States/ UTshave set up53Tele MANAS Cells andhave started tele mentalhealthservices. More than29,82,000callshave been handledonthe helpline number. The Government has also launched Tele MANAS Mobile Application on the occasion of World Mental Health Day - October 10, 2024. Tele-MANAS Mobile Application is a comprehensive mobile platform that has been developed to provide support for mental health issues ranging from well being to mental disorders. The Government has also launched the video consultation facilityunderTele-MANAS, asanotherupgrade tothe already existing audiocallingfacility. ****