In a significant move to improve mental well-being among India’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) for collaborative research and training. The initiative aims to enhance mental health support and care for soldiers, sailors, airmen, and their families.
The MoU was signed by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, AVSM, VSM, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, and Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS. Senior officials from both institutions attended the signing ceremony.
Under this collaboration, AFMS and NIMHANS will focus on strengthening mental health services, conducting specialized training for medical personnel, and developing innovative programs to address psychological challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression among military personnel.
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin emphasized that the mental health of soldiers is as crucial as their physical well-being, and this partnership will ensure that they receive the best support to cope with service-related challenges. Dr. Pratima Murthy highlighted NIMHANS’ commitment to providing world-class mental health care and expertise to support India’s defense forces.
This joint initiative is expected to set a precedent for future collaborations aimed at strengthening mental health services for armed forces personnel across the country.
