COVID-19 pandemic and mental health service delivery in India: Lessons learned and way forward

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted almost all areas of service delivery for mental illnesses, including substance use disorders across the globe. India was one of the world's most affected countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the strictest lockdowns was imposed during this time in the country leading to disruption of mental health service delivery. Amongst the vulnerable populations, the mentally ill, especially patients with severe mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and children with mental illness, were the worst affected due to the same. Many modifications and adaptations were made in the country by various stakeholders to provide uninterrupted services to the people suffering from mental illnesses. In this symposium, we discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown, and disruption of health services for these vulnerable populations and provide insights into various steps taken for providing services to them. Presenter 1 will focus on the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery for severe mental illnesses in India. Presenter 2 will discuss issues faced by children with mental illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presenter 3 will discuss the problems faced by patients with substance use disorders. Presenter 4 will highlight modifications done by various stakeholders during the pandemic, specifically focusing on telepsychiatry services in India.