President Ram Nath Kovind has cautioned against a possible mental health epidemic afflicting India and stressed the need for increasing diagnostic and treatment facilities. <br/><br/>He made the remarks while speaking at the 22nd convocation of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru today. <br/><br/>Mr Kovind said it should be ensured that by 2022 when India celebrates its 75th anniversary of independence, at least those suffering from serious mental disorders are diagnosed and given access to treatment facilities.<br/> <br/>The President said the nature of the disease was getting transformed by country's technological, economic and demographic changes. <br/><br/>He called upon the government, non-government sectors and all related public and private institutions to contribute to the treatment of mental health problems. <br/><br/>He also suggested that besides conventional treatment, the role of counselling services and practices such as yoga and vipassana should as well be explored with greater vigour in treating mental health problems.<br/><br/>Expressing concern about the shortage of mental health professionals, the President called for addressing the problem.