Navigating Borders and Barriers: An In-depth Analysis of India’s Health Policies and Their Responsiveness to the Needs of Migrants
1
University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2627
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
india has an estimated 326 million internal migrants, representing nearly 30% of its population, yet migrant populations experience disproportionate mental health burdens and persistent barriers to healthcare access. despite international commitments under the 2030 sustainable development agenda and the global compact for safe orderly and regular migration, significant gaps remain between policy provisions and actual service accessibility. this study examined whether india’s health and mental health policies adequately address the mental health needs of migrant populations.¹ ²
METHODS:
a mixed methods approach was employed combining country situational analysis using migpolx performa a, a systematic scoping review of 23 peer reviewed studies on migrant mental health in india, and policy analysis and appraisal using migpolx performa b. the analysis examined mental health outcomes, social determinants, access barriers, and policy responsiveness within national health and mental health frameworks.
RESULTS:
the scoping review identified substantial mental health burdens among migrants, including anxiety, depression, and stress, closely linked to precarious living conditions, economic instability, and social isolation. evidence indicated that geographic context and migration type influenced mental health prevalence and access to care. policy analysis revealed fundamental disconnects between documented migrant mental health needs and existing policy frameworks. although policies contain provisions relevant to migrant healthcare, they largely fail to operationalise mechanisms addressing the interconnected social economic and cultural determinants shaping migrant mental health outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS:
india’s health and mental health policies remain insufficiently responsive to migrant mental health needs. addressing these gaps requires a shift from fragmented or symbolic recognition toward integrated rights based policy frameworks that explicitly address social determinants of health and translate commitments into actionable interventions ensuring equitable mental healthcare access for migrant populations.
india has an estimated 326 million internal migrants, representing nearly 30% of its population, yet migrant populations experience disproportionate mental health burdens and persistent barriers to healthcare access. despite international commitments under the 2030 sustainable development agenda and the global compact for safe orderly and regular migration, significant gaps remain between policy provisions and actual service accessibility. this study examined whether india’s health and mental health policies adequately address the mental health needs of migrant populations.¹ ²
METHODS:
a mixed methods approach was employed combining country situational analysis using migpolx performa a, a systematic scoping review of 23 peer reviewed studies on migrant mental health in india, and policy analysis and appraisal using migpolx performa b. the analysis examined mental health outcomes, social determinants, access barriers, and policy responsiveness within national health and mental health frameworks.
RESULTS:
the scoping review identified substantial mental health burdens among migrants, including anxiety, depression, and stress, closely linked to precarious living conditions, economic instability, and social isolation. evidence indicated that geographic context and migration type influenced mental health prevalence and access to care. policy analysis revealed fundamental disconnects between documented migrant mental health needs and existing policy frameworks. although policies contain provisions relevant to migrant healthcare, they largely fail to operationalise mechanisms addressing the interconnected social economic and cultural determinants shaping migrant mental health outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS:
india’s health and mental health policies remain insufficiently responsive to migrant mental health needs. addressing these gaps requires a shift from fragmented or symbolic recognition toward integrated rights based policy frameworks that explicitly address social determinants of health and translate commitments into actionable interventions ensuring equitable mental healthcare access for migrant populations.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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