Socially restrictive attitudes towards people with mental illness are prevalent among substantial number of medical professionals in a low-income country like India. Personal acquaintance with people who have mental illness appears to be the only significant factor that reduces medical professionals' socially restrictive attitudes towards them.

Stigma reduction and provision of mental health services are unique challenges associated with the new COVID 19 pandemic. Stigma and discrimination may affect the patients diagnosed with COVID 19, those who have been placed under quarantine as well as the frontline. Effective, accurate and timely communication delivered in a coordinated manner along with community engagement is the cornerstone for stigma reduction and promotion of mental health. Although several steps have been taken to address stigma and promote mental health, it is imperative that a clearly defined strategy be put in place to integrate mental health services into the public health response to COVID 19.

No abstract