India is a signatory to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 3^rd goal focuses on improving health and wellbeing of people of all ages (Sustainable Development Solutions Network, n.d.). As part of the health goal, target 3.4 asks countries by 2030 to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one third “through prevention, treatment, and promotion of mental health and well-being” (Sustainable Development Solutions Network, n.d.). However, in India there is no national dementia policy and, as a result, these aspects of the SDGs are not reflected in a dementia specific plan. Although, programmes/acts such as the National Programme for Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes and Stroke (NPCDCS) (addressing risk factors for dementia) (MoHFW, 2017b) and the Mental Healthcare Act (National Mental Health Programme, 2017) complement the goals of the SDGs.

References:

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. (2017b). National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).

National Mental Health Programme. (2017). National Mental Health Programme. Available from: https://www.nhp.gov.in/national-mental-health-programme_pg

Sustainable Development Solutions Network. (n.d.). Indicators and a Monitoring Framework: Launching a data revolution for the Sustainable Development Goals. Available from: https://indicators.report/targets/3-4/