Synopsis : A study said screening adults for depression, using a two-step tool, could prevent more than 18,000 deaths and generate savings between ₹2.91 lakh crore and ₹4.82 lakh crore each year. It also said screening adults aged 30 and above would reduce the annual prevalence of depression by 2.4 percent.

Meena walked into her village health centre in rural Karnataka for a routine check-up. The community health worker pulled out a simple two-question form. Within minutes, the screening revealed what Meena had hidden for months: She struggles to find joy in daily tasks and feels down most days. The health worker referred her for further assessment. Three months later, Meena returned to work at the local textile unit, her productivity restored.

This scene could repeat millions of times

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