The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MARCH 20, 2025
In a landmark initiative to strengthen mental health care for the nation’s defense personnel, the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research and training in the field of mental health.
The agreement was signed by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services, and Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions. The collaboration aims to enhance mental health support for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and their families through specialized training, research, and innovative care programs.
Under this partnership, NIMHANS will leverage its expertise in neuropsychiatry to assist AFMS in advancing psychiatric care for military personnel, particularly in addressing issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The initiative will also facilitate faculty exchange programs, joint academic activities, and the development of evidence-based treatment protocols tailored to the unique challenges faced by defense personnel.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “The mental well-being of our soldiers is as vital as their physical health. This partnership with NIMHANS will ensure that our personnel receive the best possible support to cope with the psychological demands of military service.”
Dr. Pratima Murthy echoed these sentiments, highlighting the institute’s commitment to extending its expertise to the defense sector. “It is an honor to work with AFMS in providing world-class mental health care to those who serve the nation. Through this partnership, we aim to develop robust support systems that will significantly improve the mental health resilience of our armed forces,” she stated.
This collaboration marks a crucial step in integrating advanced mental health care into the defense sector and is expected to set a precedent for similar initiatives across the country. With a shared commitment to safeguarding the psychological well-being of armed forces personnel, AFMS and NIMHANS are poised to make a meaningful impact in this critical area.
