The National Mental Health Survey-2 (NMHS-2), a comprehensive initiative to assess the prevalence of mental health conditions and treatment gaps in the community, was officially launched at JIPMER, Puducherry.
Health Department Director of Puducherry Dr. S. Sevvel inaugurated the event.
This nationwide project is spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and implemented by NIMHANS, Bengaluru. It is one of India’s largest mental health survey, encompassing all 28 states and 8 Union Territories.
The primary goal of the survey is to provide state-level data on critical mental health issues, including depression, suicide, and substance abuse. It will also help to identify service gaps to guide policymakers in resource allocation and improving care delivery.
The survey in Puducherry will be conducted collaboratively by JIPMER and the State Health Mission.
Trained project staff will visit 1,530 households across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam to collect data from community members. Dr. D. M. Thappa, Dean of Research, JIPMER, and Dr. Balan Ponmani Stephen, Specialist SAG (Psychiatry), also participated in the inaugural function.
