NIMHANS, CIP, and LGBRIMH Collaborate to Enhance Mental Healthcare

Imphal, India Aug 23, 2026 ALN: The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru; the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP), Ranchi; and the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health (LGBRIMH), Tezpur, have agreed to enter into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen capacity building and institutional support in mental healthcare.

The proposed framework was discussed during a virtual meeting of representatives from the three premier institutions held on August 22. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing mental health services in India, particularly in regions that have historically faced challenges in accessing quality mental health care.

Mental health has become an increasingly important area of focus globally, and India is no exception. According to various studies, mental health disorders are on the rise in the country, exacerbated by factors such as urbanization, socio-economic stressors, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This tripartite agreement aims to address these challenges by leveraging the strengths and expertise of each institution.

Under the proposed MoU, NIMHANS will organise and host a capacity-building workshop at its Bengaluru campus for selected administrators, faculty members, and staff of CIP and LGBRIMH. The workshop will focus on critical areas such as hospital administration, quality management, patient safety, clinical governance, and operational efficiency. These components are vital for ensuring that mental health institutions can provide effective and safe care to patients.

Following the workshop, NIMHANS will also provide technical guidance and institutional handholding to CIP and LGBRIMH in mutually identified areas. This ongoing support is crucial for the long-term sustainability of improvements made during the initial training phase. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, the institutions aim to create a robust framework for mental health care that can adapt to the evolving needs of the population.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Prabha S. Chandra, Director of NIMHANS, Bengaluru. She was joined by Harsha A. H., Registrar; Dr. A. Nalini, Dean of Neurosciences; Dr. T. N. Sathyaprabha, Associate Dean of Basic Sciences; Dr. Seema Mehrotra, Associate Dean of Behavioural Sciences; and Dr. Nand Kumar, Immediate Coordinator. Their collective expertise will be instrumental in shaping the future of mental health services in the region.

CIP, Ranchi, was represented by Dr. Varun S. Mehta, Professor of Psychiatry, and Dr. Sunil, Administrative Officer. LGBRIMH, Tezpur, was represented by its Director, Dr. Jyoti Hazarika, Dr. Hemanta Dutta, OSD and Deputy Director, along with other officials. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of the representatives underscore the collaborative nature of this initiative, bringing together a wealth of knowledge from different facets of mental health care.

The proposed collaboration will also include Training of Trainers programmes, joint development of training modules and guidelines, expert lectures and webinars, tele-mentoring through digital platforms, and collaborative research and outcome evaluation. These multifaceted approaches are designed to enhance the skills of mental health professionals and improve the overall quality of care provided to patients.

The dates and detailed schedule of the capacity-building programme will be finalised mutually by the three institutions. This flexibility allows the institutions to tailor the programme to their specific needs and contexts, ensuring that the training is relevant and impactful. LGBRIMH, Tezpur, an apex tertiary care mental health institution serving all eight states of the Northeast, expects the collaboration to further strengthen its systems for quality management, patient safety, and overall institutional efficiency.

The initiative is ultimately expected to benefit patients and their families seeking specialised mental healthcare at the institute from across the region. By enhancing the capabilities of these institutions, the MoU aims to create a more effective mental health care system that can respond to the needs of the population, reduce stigma associated with mental health issues, and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.

This collaboration is particularly significant given the unique challenges faced by the Northeast region of India, where access to mental health services is often limited due to geographical, cultural, and infrastructural factors. By pooling resources and expertise, NIMHANS, CIP, and LGBRIMH hope to create a model of mental health care that can be replicated in other parts of the country.

In conclusion, the tripartite MoU between NIMHANS, CIP, and LGBRIMH represents a proactive approach to strengthening mental health care in India. As mental health continues to gain recognition as a critical component of overall health, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals receive the support and care they need. The collaboration not only aims to improve institutional capabilities but also seeks to foster a more supportive environment for mental health in society at large.