NIMHANS Receives Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion 2024

The National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has been honored with the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Established by WHO in 2019, the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion acknowledges individuals, institutions, and organizations that have made significant contributions to health promotion.

Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated NIMHANS, calling the award “a recognition of India's efforts in inclusive healthcare.” Shri Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary, also expressed his happiness at this acknowledgment of India's pioneering work in mental health and congratulated NIMHANS for the achievement.

Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, remarked, “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.”

The award highlights NIMHANS' dedication to promoting mental health and well-being. The institute has been at the forefront of mental health and neurosciences, championing innovative approaches to research, education, and patient care. NIMHANS has initiated and implemented avant-garde mental health programs addressing diverse population needs, integrated mental health care into general health care, developed community-based strategies, and pioneered digital health interventions recognized globally.

This accolade coincides with a significant milestone for NIMHANS, as the institute celebrates 50 years since its formation and the 70th anniversary of its precursor, the All India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH). As NIMHANS marks this dual milestone, the award underscores the institute's rich legacy and continuous evolution in the field of mental health and neurosciences.

India has made significant strides in mental health recently. Mental Health Units are supported in nearly all districts through the National Health Mission. India's national tele mental health helpline, Tele MANAS, launched on October 10, 2022, recently achieved the landmark of handling 1 million calls.

Ms. Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary, Union Health Ministry, and other senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present on the occasion.