The institute was recognised not just for its work with patients but also for its work with the government on healthcare policy and legislations
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore was awarded the Nelson mandela award for health promotion during a special ceremony at the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly in Geneva on Friday.
The institute won the award not just for patient care but also the lead it has taken in supporting the government of various mental healthcare related policies and legislations. The WHO statement announcing the award says that the institute has been “….carrying out training and research as well as involving the communities it serves. It collaborates with central and state governments in framing, informing and implementing national policies and strategies such as the National Mental Health Policy (2014), the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022). NIMHANS involves young people as change agents within district youth-empowerment centres in order to bridge the gap between young people, their families and an ever-changing society (reaching about 6 million young people). In addition, it is engaged in a national initiative for child protection, mental health and psychosocial care (reaching more than 3 million people).”
It goes on to talk about the other programmes that NIMHANS currently runs, including one on urban mental health and integrating mental health issues arising out of climate change into primary mental health care delivery, as well as training and accrediting community volunteers to deliver mental health first aid.
“We are immensely proud to receive the prestigious Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion at this juncture of our institutional journey. This award is not only a recognition of our past and present achievements but also a validation to the enduring legacy and vision that has guided NIMHANS since its inception. It reinforces our resolve to continue our mission of promoting mental health and well-being – making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS.
This accolade arrives at a particularly momentous time for NIMHANS, as the Institute celebrates 50 years of its formation and the 70th anniversary of its precursor, the All India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH). As NIMHANS marks the dual milestone, the award holds special significance, highlighting the Institute’s rich legacy and continuous evolution in the field of mental health and neurosciences.
