Nimhans is undisputed leader in mental health, says President Murmu

Bengaluru: President Droupadi Murmu commended the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans) as an "undisputed leader" in the mental health field during its golden jubilee celebrations on Friday.

Highlighting the institute's achievements, President Murmu noted that 53 Tele-MANAS cells across India have served 17 lakh individuals in two years. She inaugurated the Psychiatry Speciality Block, Central Laboratory Complex, and Bhima Hoste, and dedicated advanced medical equipment, including a 3T MRI Scanner and an Advanced DSA System, to the nation.

“Nimhans has been innovative in addressing the complexities of mental health. The Ballari model of community-based mental healthcare is historic. The Tele-MANAS platform leverages technology to offer expert consultation in regional languages, ensuring accessibility for all. It is encouraging to see the stigma around mental health reducing and awareness growing,” she said.

President Murmu also highlighted the positive gender ratio at Nimhans, where 79.7% of undergraduate and 61.4% of postgraduate students are women, calling it "a positive development".

Union Health Minister JP Nadda praised the institute's growth, noting a five-fold increase in patients over the decades, from less than 10 lakh in the 1970s to 50 lakh today. “With over a thousand students trained annually, Nimhans should serve as a blueprint for mental health services for the next 25 years,” he said.

Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing mental health infrastructure. “We aim to increase funding for research, facilitate global collaborations, and expand mental health services to underserved regions through outreach programmes,” he said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, MPs Dr CN Manjunath, PC Mohan, Tejasvi Surya and Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, and Nimhans Director Dr Pratima Murthy were present at the event.