The architecture of the primary mental healthcare system for older people in India: what public policies tell us

Abstract Background Old age mental healthcare is an issue that cuts across old age, general health, and policies. While strengthening the primary system in India a common strategy policy fields to improve health of older persons, very little known about system’s planned architecture. This study explores public strategies for approaches focusing on (PHC) level role family. Methods A document analysis 39 key national documents (2007 – 2019) from three thematically grouped (mental health) was conducted. Results Comprehensive community-based vulnerable population groups including persons has been strengthened significantly since 2007. The promulgated build traditional India. They focus (a) integrating community workers into healthcare, (b) empowering participate planning, implementation, monitoring, (c) supporting family through family-led approach (d) Ayurveda, Yoga Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa Homeopathy (AYUSH) services healthcare. Conclusions all address PHC, they do so different ways, promote integrated perspective are lacking. To realize policies vision, PHC will be essential. Further research should evaluate light social developments, such as eroding norms poor state India, order assess their opportunities, challenges, overall feasibility, with benefits people would experience taking centre stage these inquiries.