Digital Pathways to Justice: AI and Emerging Technologies in Strengthening Mental Health Care Act-2017 in Uttarakhand

Abstract

Background: The Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA), 2017 establishes a rights-based framework formental healthcare in India, but implementation remains weak in geographically challenging,resource-constrained states such as Uttarakhand (Government of India, 2017; Thirthalli & Kallivayalil,2020). Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, including telepsychiatry, digitalplatforms, and IoT, offer potential to address gaps in access, quality, and governance within the state’smental health system.Methods: An exploratory, cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among 26 purposivelysampled stakeholders, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, AI specialists, and policymakers drawn fromgovernment and private institutions in Uttarakhand and select national centres. Data were collectedusing semi-structured interviews, a semi-open questionnaire (Q2–Q19), and document review ofMHCA 2017, policy documents, and AI-enabled mental health programmes, and were analysed usingthematic analysis, descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, and graphical visualisations.Results: The most frequently cited implementation barriers were lack of infrastructure and access(42.3%), limited technological infrastructure and digital literacy (46.2%), and weak institutionalmechanisms such as non-functional MHRBs. AI-enhanced Tele-MANAS integrated with e-Sanjeevaniwas perceived as the primary solution to expand access and address workforce shortages (57.7% forimplementation challenges; 61.5% for access in remote areas; 50.0% for professional shortages).Stakeholders endorsed AI for personalised treatment planning (53.8%), monitoring adherence andoutcomes via wearables and smartphones (42.3%), and analysing population-level data to identifyregional trends (61.5%), while expressing concerns about privacy (50.0%), infrastructure and literacy(61.5%), and regulatory gaps more than about empathy or algorithmic bias.Conclusion: AI and emerging technologies can significantly enhance MHCA 2017 implementation inUttarakhand by improving accessibility, personalisation, and governance, particularly throughAI-enabled telepsychiatry and digital registries aligned with SMHA/MHRB functions. Realising thispotential requires coordinated investment in digital infrastructure, clear ethical and legal frameworks,bias-aware AI design, and sustained capacity building for mental health professionals and frontlineworkers.

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