About NIMHANS

National institute of mental health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru is a world-renowned centre of excellence in the realm of mental health and neurosciences. NIMHANS embodies a tripartite mission of delivering unparalleled patient care, conducting pioneering research, and imparting cutting-edge training.

Spread across an area of 135 acres in the heart of the garden city, the central campus of NIMHANS combines mental health and neurosciences under one roof. Originally conceived as a tertiary care referral centre for mental, neurological and neurosurgical disorders, NIMHANS has surpassed its intended role. Its reputation for quality care has transcended borders, drawing patients not only from various parts of India but also from neighbouring nations. Serving more than half a million patients annually, NIMHANS employs therapeutic modalities that bridge modern medicine with traditional systems, fostering a holistic approach to healthcare. This fusion creates a unique therapeutic environment that caters to the multifaceted needs of its patients. The institute houses nearly 20 specialized clinics, each tailored to provide disease-specific, patient-centric treatment.

The 1000-bed hospital, accredited by NABH, features state-of-the-art inpatient facilities and advanced rehabilitation services. It offers a broad range of diagnostic and laboratory services for both inpatient and outpatient populations. All the laboratories at NIMHANS are now NABL accredited. Round-the-clock emergency and neurosurgical units are well-equipped to provide top-tier care for head injuries. The seven-floor Sub-Speciality Block, with 125 beds and sophisticated operation theatres, stands ready to address complex neurological and neurosurgical problems.

Beyond its central campus, the institute extends its reach and impact with facilities such as the Sakalwara Community mental health Centre and the NIMHANS Centre for Well Being in South Bengaluru. Demonstrating forward-thinking initiatives, NIMHANS is set to establish a poly trauma centre on the Kyalasanahalli campus in the northern part of the city – reaffirming its dedication to providing comprehensive care.

At NIMHANS, the relentless pursuit of knowledge is evident in its expansive research initiatives. Research occurs in a seamless manner from bench to bedside and bedside to community, through active collaborations with prominent regional, national and international agencies. From addiction to Alzheimer's; from imaging to interventional neuroradiology; from pain relief to intensive care; from head injury to deep brain stimulation; disaster management to depression relief; from stroke research to signalling in the brain; from rabies to retroviral infections; from youth mental health to yoga; from molecular genetics to mindfulness; from restoration to rehabilitation – the research contributions of NIMHANS are vast and varied.

As the leading post-graduate training centre in the country, particularly in mental health and neurosciences, NIMHANS offers over 90 courses including MCh, DM, MD, post-doc fellowships, doctoral studies, MPhil, MSc, diplomas and undergraduate courses in select disciplines. It is actively engaged with a diverse spectrum of health care practitioners and policy influencers to deliver various capacity building programs that add value and contribute to improved outcomes for patients and the broader health system.

Playing a pivotal role in national policy and programming, NIMHANS has been at the forefront of shaping the mental health landscape in India. The District mental health Programme, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, stemmed from the Bellary model of care piloted by NIMHANS. The institute remains a driving force for strategizing, reinforcing, and revolutionizing both institutional and community-based mental health care services.

NIMHANS has made substantial contributions to the formulation of the National mental health Policy and has been a strong advocate for rights-based mental health care. As the designated nodal centre for the ambitious Tele MANAS (Tele mental health Assistance and Nationally Actionable Plan through States) programme, the institute continues to lead in innovative mental health service delivery.

Since its inception, NIMHANS has grown remarkably in stature and made conspicuous strides. The Union Government, recognizing its pre-eminent position, declared the institute a ‘Deemed University’ in 1994. In 2012, NIMHANS was conferred the status of an ‘Institute of National Importance’ through a separate act of Parliament.

Vision

To be a world leader in the area of 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 and rehabilitation.
• Develop expertise and set standards of care for diseases of public health relevance in the developing world.
• Work with the government and provide consultancy services for policy planning and monitoring strategies in the field of mental health and Neurosciences and facilitate execution of national health programme.
• Human resource capacity building by training in diverse fields related to mental health and Neurosciences.
• Develop and strengthen inter-disciplinary, inter-institutional and international collaboration with universities and research institutes across the globe to foster scientific research, training in advanced technology and exchange of ideas in the areas of mental health and Neurosciences.
• Strive to enhance equitable accessibility of primary care in mental health and neurological disorders to all sections of society and ages including the vulnerable population.
• Evolve and monitor the strategies for disaster management and psycho-social rehabilitation in different cultural and ethnic groups.
• Promote mental health literacy and eliminate the stigma attached to mental and neurological illnesses by taking the measures and the delivery system to the centres of primary health care honouring human rights and dignity.
• Integrate allopathic and oriental medicine into health care delivery and promote evidence-based research.
• Integrate physical and metaphysical aspects of Neuroscience research to promote yoga and its application to positive mental health.
• Participate in the broad field of Neuroscience and Behavioral Research applicable to human ethics, organ transplantation, stem cell research, space science, and nuclear science.

NIMHANS Logo

The insignia of the AIIMH/NIMHANS is Hamsa or a gliding swan. According to Dr. MV Govindaswamy, the founder-Director of AIIMH, the smooth gliding of the swan is analogous to the psyche. The webbed feet of the swan, immersed in water, are however in a frenzied turmoil, as are several factors in the depths of the psyche. The word ‘hamsa’ spoken aloud rapidly also sounds like ‘soham’ (Sanskrit for ‘I am That’); identifying onself with the universe or fundamental reality, according to the thoughts of ancient seers and philosophers.

NIMHANS Anthem

विगाह मानोस्ति नभोन्तरालं
प्रसन्न सत्वः स्पृहणीयचंद्रः ।
प्रक्षुब्धसंसार महाब्धि मध्ये
भ्रमत्यसौ मानस राजहंसः ।
ईषव्दिकासं कृतरक्त शोभं
हृत्पंकजं सन्निहितं तु तत्र ।
जलस्य गर्भेनिहिता समस्ति
संयोगजा संयमलब्धशान्तिः ।।

In the depths of the heavens, the moon sails shedding splendour that is a benediction. Below, on the troubled waters of life moves the mind of man, swan-like. Near-by is the lotus-heart, passion-laden and just blossoming. Hidden in the womb of waters lies peace, born of harmony, to be realised by one who has subdued passion.

नभ की अटल गहराइयों चंद्रमा सुधावर्षण करता रहता है । नीचे, जीवन के अशान्त जलपर मानव मस्तिष्क हंस की तरह लहराता - लरजाता रहता है। पार्श्व में, कामनाओं से भरा हुआ हृदय कमल खिलता रहता है । शान्ति और सामंजस्य जल के उताल गर्भ में निहित रहते हैं, जिनकी अनुभूति वही कर पाता है जिसने कामनाओं पर संयम प्राप्त कर लिया हो ।

NIMHANS Act, Rules and Regulations

Explore the NIMHANS Act, Rules, and Regulations section for insights into the legal framework governing India's premier mental health institution.

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