Indian Journal of Health Social Work
(UGC Care List Journal)
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STRENGTHENING HEALTH SOCIAL WORK IN POST-PANDEMIC INDIA
Health social work in India stands at a pivotal
juncture. The COVID-19 pandemic and
subsequent societal shifts have both strained
and inspired our profession. We have
encountered increased mental health needs,
the burden of chronic diseases, and persistent
health inequities. Yet, the resilience and
innovation within the social work community
have been remarkable. This editorial outline
the pressing issues and promising
developments in Indian health social work,
setting the context for the articles in this
issue.
Emerging Challenges
Mental health concerns have surged. The 2016 National Mental Health Survey revealed that nearly 150 million Indians need mental health interventions, with over 80% not receiving adequate care. The pandemic exacerbated this situation, pushing mental health up the policy agenda and expanding the roles of health social workers in psychosocial support and community-based care. Chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, and cancer have become leading causes of death, accounting for over 60% of mortality. Health social workers are instrumental in disease education, screening, counselling, and support group facilitation, thereby improving disease management and outcomes. Health inequities persist across regions and social groups. Rural areas face acute shortages in healthcare access, and marginalized communities often lack equitable services. Social workers advocate for justice by facilitating access to health schemes and supporting underserved populations.
Mental health concerns have surged. The 2016 National Mental Health Survey revealed that nearly 150 million Indians need mental health interventions, with over 80% not receiving adequate care. The pandemic exacerbated this situation, pushing mental health up the policy agenda and expanding the roles of health social workers in psychosocial support and community-based care. Chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, and cancer have become leading causes of death, accounting for over 60% of mortality. Health social workers are instrumental in disease education, screening, counselling, and support group facilitation, thereby improving disease management and outcomes. Health inequities persist across regions and social groups. Rural areas face acute shortages in healthcare access, and marginalized communities often lack equitable services. Social workers advocate for justice by facilitating access to health schemes and supporting underserved populations.
Adapting Roles in Community and Crisis
Social workers have expanded their scope beyond hospitals. In community settings, they lead outreach, education, and follow-ups, often working alongside Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). Their collaboration enhances vaccination drives, maternal care, and disease surveillance. Digital health is another frontier. Initiatives like eSanjeevani and Tele-MANAS have broadened access to healthcare and mental health support. Social workers play a vital role in helping patients use these services, ensuring inclusion and continuity of care. During disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers have supported contact tracing, relief distribution, and psychosocial care. Their presence in crisis response underscores their role in addressing both medical and social needs.
Social workers have expanded their scope beyond hospitals. In community settings, they lead outreach, education, and follow-ups, often working alongside Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). Their collaboration enhances vaccination drives, maternal care, and disease surveillance. Digital health is another frontier. Initiatives like eSanjeevani and Tele-MANAS have broadened access to healthcare and mental health support. Social workers play a vital role in helping patients use these services, ensuring inclusion and continuity of care. During disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers have supported contact tracing, relief distribution, and psychosocial care. Their presence in crisis response underscores their role in addressing both medical and social needs.
Policy Developments and Impact
Ayushman Bharat, with its PM-JAY insurance scheme and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), has created new opportunities. Social workers assist with enrolment, navigate benefits for marginalized groups, and engage communities in preventive care efforts at HWCs. The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 reinforced rights-based care. It emphasizes dignity, nondiscrimination, and community-based services. Social workers are central to implementing the Act by educating patients, drafting advance directives, and managing cases in District Mental Health Programs. The National Health Mission (NHM) continues to integrate social workers in health promotion, community coordination, and national programs for TB, HIV, and NCDs. Their involvement ensures effective outreach.
stigma reduction, and better health outcomes. Education, Collaboration, and Research Social work education is evolving. MSW programs now offer health-related specializations, digital literacy training, and field placements in hospitals and public health settings. Interprofessional education fosters collaboration among future doctors, nurses, and social workers, essential for integrated care. Research is shifting toward practice-based evidence. Academic-practitioner partnerships evaluate programs and generate local data. Topics like poverty’s impact on treatment and the value of caregiver support groups are being systematically studied. Publications like this journal are platforms for sharing field innovations.
Ayushman Bharat, with its PM-JAY insurance scheme and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), has created new opportunities. Social workers assist with enrolment, navigate benefits for marginalized groups, and engage communities in preventive care efforts at HWCs. The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 reinforced rights-based care. It emphasizes dignity, nondiscrimination, and community-based services. Social workers are central to implementing the Act by educating patients, drafting advance directives, and managing cases in District Mental Health Programs. The National Health Mission (NHM) continues to integrate social workers in health promotion, community coordination, and national programs for TB, HIV, and NCDs. Their involvement ensures effective outreach.
stigma reduction, and better health outcomes. Education, Collaboration, and Research Social work education is evolving. MSW programs now offer health-related specializations, digital literacy training, and field placements in hospitals and public health settings. Interprofessional education fosters collaboration among future doctors, nurses, and social workers, essential for integrated care. Research is shifting toward practice-based evidence. Academic-practitioner partnerships evaluate programs and generate local data. Topics like poverty’s impact on treatment and the value of caregiver support groups are being systematically studied. Publications like this journal are platforms for sharing field innovations.
CONCLUSION
This issue of the Indian Journal of Health Social Work delves into themes such as mental health outreach, policy impacts, and interprofessional training. Each article contributes to our understanding of how to advance health social work in India. Research, innovation, and community engagement remain our pillars. We must continue advocating for humane policies, implementing compassionate care, and exchanging knowledge across platforms. Health social work is key to building holistic, just healthcare systems. Thank you for your dedication. May this issue inspire continued collaboration and commitment
This issue of the Indian Journal of Health Social Work delves into themes such as mental health outreach, policy impacts, and interprofessional training. Each article contributes to our understanding of how to advance health social work in India. Research, innovation, and community engagement remain our pillars. We must continue advocating for humane policies, implementing compassionate care, and exchanging knowledge across platforms. Health social work is key to building holistic, just healthcare systems. Thank you for your dedication. May this issue inspire continued collaboration and commitment
(Narendra Kumar Singh)
Chief Editor
ISSN: 2582-1393 (Online)