NMC Forms Task Force To Address Mental Health Issues Among Medical Students

New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has formed a task force to examine factors contributing to issues like depression and suicide among medical students and propose evidence-based strategies to enhance mental health.

Dr B M Suresh, Professor in Department of Psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), will head the 15-member task force.

“Mental health of medical students has been a cause of concern in the recent past leading to depression and suicide by medical students. To address this issue, a National Task Force has been constituted by the anti-ragging committee of the National Medical Commission (NMC),” stated an order issued on February 21.

The task force is mandated to examine current literature and data concerning mental health and suicide rates among medical students, according to the terms and references of the committee. It will also analyse the factors influencing these challenges and recommend evidence-based strategies aimed at enhancing mental well-being and preventing suicides.

The committee will additionally conduct visits to colleges where incidents of suicides have been reported.

The task force will provide monthly progress reports to the anti-ragging cell. It will deliver a thorough report delineating key findings and actionable recommendations to enhance mental health of medical students by May 31, 2024.