National institute of mental health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru is a world-renowned center of excellence with a tripartite mission: patient care, pioneering research, and cutting-edge training in mental health and neurosciences.

Overview and Patient Care

Located on a 131-acre central campus, NIMHANS uniquely combines mental health and neurosciences under one roof.

• Patient Volume: The institute serves more than half a million patients annually, drawing patients from across India and neighboring nations due to its reputation for quality care.
• Hospital Facilities: It features a 1000-bed hospital accredited by NABH and advanced rehabilitation services. All laboratories are NABL accredited.
• Specialized Services: NIMHANS offers nearly 20 specialized clinics and round-the-clock emergency and neurosurgical units. The seven-floor Sub-Speciality Block has 125 beds and sophisticated operation theatres for complex cases.
• Holistic Approach: Therapeutic modalities bridge modern medicine with traditional systems, providing a unique, holistic therapeutic environment.
• Outreach: The institute extends its reach through the Sakalwara Community Mental Health Centre and the NIMHANS Centre for Well Being in South Bengaluru. A future poly trauma center is planned for the Kyalasanahalli campus.

Research and Training

NIMHANS is a leading post-graduate training center and a hub for expansive research, with initiatives ranging from addiction to Alzheimer's, deep brain stimulation to depression relief, and molecular genetics to mindfulness.

• Training: It offers over 90 courses, including MCh, DM, MD, post-doc fellowships, doctoral studies, MPhil, MSc, diplomas, and undergraduate courses, and is actively involved in capacity building for healthcare practitioners and policy influencers.
• National Policy Role: NIMHANS plays a pivotal role in national policy. The District Mental Health Programme, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, stemmed from the Bellary model of care piloted by NIMHANS.
• Leadership: It is the designated nodal center for the ambitious Tele MANAS (Tele mental health Assistance and Nationally Actionable Plan through States) program and has contributed substantially to the formulation of the National Mental Health Policy.

Institutional Status

NIMHANS has achieved significant recognition:

• 1994: Declared a 'Deemed University' by the Union Government.
• 2012: Conferred the status of an ‘Institute of National Importance’ by an Act of Parliament.

Vision and Mission Highlights

Vision: To be a world leader in mental health and neurosciences and evolve state-of-the-art approaches to patient care through translational research.

Mission:

• Establish the highest standards of evidence-based care for psychiatric and neurological disorders.
• Develop expertise in and set standards for diseases of public health relevance in the developing world.
• Provide consultancy services for government policy planning and monitoring of national health programs.
• Integrate allopathic and oriental medicine into healthcare delivery and promote evidence-based research.
• Promote mental health literacy and eliminate stigma, honoring human rights and dignity.