NIMHANS Treats 50 Lakh Patients in 10 Years: JP Nadda
Union Health Minister J P Nadda highlighted the remarkable growth of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), which has seen over 50 lakh patient footfalls in the last decade. Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of NIMHANS in Bengaluru, Nadda praised the institution for its transformation into an 'Institute of National Importance'.
Nadda expressed his gratitude to the faculty, students, and all stakeholders who have contributed to NIMHANS’ growth from a mental health institute to a national leader in healthcare. He noted that patient footfall at NIMHANS has increased more than five-fold over the years, from under 10 lakh in the 1970s to over 50 lakh in the past decade. "The scale at which NIMHANS treats its immense footfall of patients makes them a leader in quality healthcare in India", he said.
The Union Minister also lauded NIMHANS for being the first NABH-accredited hospital among all Institutes of National Importance. The institute is ranked among the top 200 hospitals globally. Nadda emphasized the government’s commitment to mainstreaming mental health, pointing to the National Mental Health Programme and the TeleMANAS scheme, which has been operational since 2022.
TeleMANAS, a 24x7 mental health assistance helpline, has received 16.6 lakh calls since its launch, and services are now available in all states and union territories, with 53 functional cells. NIMHANS serves as the apex coordinating centre for TeleMANAS and also trains over 1,000 students for the program.
In addition, President Droupadi Murmu, who was present at the event, urged NIMHANS to incorporate yoga into its mental health services, to address both mental and physical distress. The initiative is seen as a step toward enhancing the institute's holistic approach to mental wellness.
