Nimhans hosts 27th convocation celebrating mental health excellence

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans) held its 27th convocation, marking a significant milestone as it celebrated the achievements of 572 graduates, including 480 who graduated in person. Among those graduating were 404 postgraduate and 76 PhD students, each of whom has dedicated years of hard work to reach this important juncture in their careers. Dr. Prathima Murthy, Director of Nimhans, highlighted the significance of this convocation, noting that it represents the confluence of 70 years of the All India Institute of Mental Health and 50 years of Nimhans.

This dual anniversary not only celebrates the legacy of these esteemed institutions but also reinforces their commitment to advancing mental health and neurosciences in India. Dr. Prathima Murthy emphasised on the increasing importance of mental health in contemporary society and encouraged graduates to be ambassadors of mental health, advocating for awareness, reducing stigma and promoting accessible care for all individuals. During the ceremony, Union Health Minister JP Nadda, who serves as the President of Nimhans, congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments. He acknowledged the contributions of Nimhan's alumni, who have made significant strides in the fields of mental health and neurosciences and expressed confidence that the new graduates would continue this legacy.

Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development and Vice President of Nimhans, emphasised the importance of innovative approaches to patient care, especially in addressing the challenges posed by neuropsychiatric disorders. "Nimhans has always risen to the challenge, and I have no doubt that this new generation of healthcare professionals will carry forward this legacy, crafting solutions to the pressing mental health issues of our society," he stated.

Nimhans performance report highlights innovations in mental healthcare

At the recent Nimhans convocation, Dr. Prathima Murthy presented a performance report showcasing the institute's advancements in mental health and neuroscience services. Nimhans has developed a comprehensive range of patient care services, including acute care, rehabilitation, and community programs. The outpatient department (OPD) saw a substantial increase in footfall, rising from 6,22,400 patients in 2022-23 to 6,65,400 in 2023-24. The institute conducted over 8,000 surgical procedures and performed 20,00,000 laboratory tests across both outpatient and inpatient populations. Dr Murthy emphasised the introduction of cutting-edge technology in patient care, including improved emergency services.