The mental health of India's soldiers is as important as their physical health, observed Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin in a statement after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, for collaborative research and training aimed at enhancing mental health support and care for the armed forces.
AFMS and NIMHANS will work towards strengthening mental health services, conducting specialised training for medical personnel, and developing innovative programmes to address the mental health issues faced by soldiers, sailors, airmen, their families and dependants.
NIMHANS, with its expertise in Neuropsychiatry, will provide help in conducting research on advanced psychiatric care and support to military personnel, addressing common issues like post traumatic stress disorders, anxiety, and depression, a statement from the defence ministry read.
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Surg VAdm Arti Sarin said the partnership with NIMHANS will ensure that armed forces personnel will receive the best possible support to cope with the challenges they face while serving the country.
"This collaborative venture is a critical step in recognizing the importance of mental health for armed forces personnel and is expected to set a benchmark for similar initiatives across the country," the defence ministry said, adding that AFMS and NIMHANS are committed to providing comprehensive mental health services that contribute to the overall welfare of the armed forces.
