Mapping of geographic inequality in mental health care facilities and psychiatrists distribution across seven districts of indore division: A geospatial analysis from central India

Background: India faces a severe mental health workforce shortage, with Madhya Pradesh (MP) having only 0.05 psychiatrists per 100,000 population—far below the World Health Organization (WHO) benchmark of 3. Granular data on psychiatrist distribution are needed to address inequities in care. Aim: To map psychiatrist distribution across the seven districts of Indore division, MP, to assess geographic inequalities and estimate resource requirements for achieving WHO staffing norms. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional geospatial survey (Jan–Mar 2025) identified actively practicing psychiatrists via snowball sampling, global positioning system (GPS)mapping, and inequality indices (Gini, Theil). Spatial clustering was analyzed using the nearest-neighbor index (NNI). Regression models assessed infrastructure-psychiatrist associations. Results: Among 71 psychiatrists, 88% clustered in Indore city, yielding a regional density of 0.54 per 100,000. Three districts had no psychiatrists. High inequality (Gini = 0.78) and urban clustering (NNI = 0.38) were observed. Infrastructure availability strongly predicted psychiatrist presence (β =0.98). Meeting WHO targets requires 429 additional psychiatrists (annual investment: INR 514.8 million). Conclusion: Severe urban–rural disparities exist in psychiatrist distribution. Targeted investments in workforce expansion, telepsychiatry (e.g. Tele-MANAS), and rural infrastructure are urgently needed to bridge the treatment gap.