Union Health Minister Mandaviya inaugurates 'Centre for Brain and Mind' in B'luru

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences on Tuesday marked World Mental Health Day 2023 by unveiling the "Centre for Brain and Mind" here which was virtually inaugurated by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

According to NIMHANS, this centre is a groundbreaking venture which has been launched in collaboration with the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the generous contribution of Rs 100 crore from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.

This initiative builds upon the resources and repository generated by the Accelerator programme for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS project), earlier funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, it said.

"The primary focus of the centre involves a comprehensive investigation into a large cohort of severely mentally ill patients including those diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, dementia, or addiction within families. Over the next two decades, the research will focus on understanding the causes, correlates, and courses of these disorders, along with exploring potential interventions and treatments," a NIMHANS statement said.

The research will employ advanced techniques in imaging (with a dedicated MRI scanning facility), genetics, and stem cell biology.

NIMHANS, renowned for its clinical expertise, will play a pivotal role in clinical assessments and maintain a longstanding connection with families seeking help for generations, it said.