New Delhi: The Armed Forces Medical Services and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for collaborative research and training aimed at improving mental health support for defence personnel. The agreement marks an important step towards enhancing mental health care for soldiers, sailors, airmen, and their families.

The MoU was signed by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, and Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions. The collaboration will focus on strengthening mental health services, conducting specialised training for medical personnel, and developing programmes to address mental health challenges faced by defence personnel and their dependants.

The partnership will involve collaborative research, faculty exchange, and academic activities. With its expertise in neuropsychiatry, NIMHANS will assist in research on advanced psychiatric care, focusing on conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression, which are commonly observed among military personnel.

Arti Sarin emphasised the importance of mental well-being, stating that the psychological health of soldiers is as critical as their physical fitness. She expressed confidence that the partnership with NIMHANS would ensure that personnel receive the necessary support to manage the demands of military service.

Pratima Murthy said the collaboration would allow NIMHANS to extend its expertise to the defence sector, ensuring world-class mental health care for those who serve the nation.

This initiative highlights the growing recognition of mental health as an essential aspect of overall well-being in the armed forces. The collaboration is expected to set a benchmark for similar efforts across the country, with both institutions committed to providing comprehensive mental health services for defence personnel.

BI Bureau