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The savings are equivalent to 0.19% to 0.32% of the country’s GDP, said the researchers, including those from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru.
The study found that it would be cheaper to screen people aged 20 and above than those above 30.
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The researchers also noted that the screening program could save money if at least 60% of patients who receive treatment go through public health facilities.
Current practices include ‘opportunistic diagnosis’ – in which diagnosis is incidental, such as through tests done for other reasons – and managing patients who show signs of mental disorder.
According to a March 2025 statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, cashless health services related to 22 conditions featuring mental disorders, including intellectual disability, schizophrenia and autism, are available to eligible people under the health benefit package of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
The researchers said the study indicates “substantial public health and economic benefits” of integrating population-based depression screening into the primary health care system.
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He said the findings also support the case for a primary health care-oriented health system.
Data from the National Mental Health Survey and National Sample Survey as well as previously published studies were analyzed.
“The (universal depression screening) program is expected to generate net savings of ₹291 billion (USD 3.7 billion) to ₹482 billion (USD 6.1 billion), equivalent to 0.19% to 0.32% of GDP,” the authors wrote.
“Ensuring high diagnostic accuracy through quality training and supportive supervision, as well as expanding coverage to individuals aged 20 years and above, will be critical to sustaining and maximizing the impact of the programme,” he said.
The authors said that population-based screening is estimated to reduce depression-related suicides by approximately 15% annually, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention in preventing fatal outcomes.
“Our analysis strongly supports the adoption of a universal two-step screening strategy for depression using the PHQ-9 followed by the PHQ-2 (questionnaire) within India’s government primary health care system,” they said.
The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and 9 are designed to screen, diagnose, and monitor the severity of depression in adults, and are widely used worldwide in various settings, including primary care and research.