Sri Vijaya Puram | March 17, 2026
A Consensus Workshop was organized by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS) as part of the Second National Mental Health Survey (NMHS-2), in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, with support from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The workshop brought together administrators, researchers, departmental representatives, and mental health practitioners to deliberate on strategies for strengthening the mental health system in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The workshop was attended by representatives from several departments including Health, Social Welfare, Education, and Tribal Welfare, along with mental health professionals and representatives from non-governmental organizations working in the field of mental health.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Ms. Vandana Rao, IAS, Secretary (Health), A&N Administration, appreciated the efforts of the research team and field investigators for successfully conducting the survey across the geographically challenging islands. She emphasized that mental health is a critical component of overall health and highlighted the importance of evidence-based data in shaping policies and programmes. She also assured the Administration’s continued support in strengthening mental health services, infrastructure, and human resources in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Dr. Girish N. Rao, Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Principal Investigator of NMHS-2 from NIMHANS, presented the perspective from the nodal agency. He highlighted the national significance of the survey and its role in guiding mental health policy and improving service delivery across the country.
Among those who shared their insights and recommendations during the workshop were Mr. Rashid Alam, Member Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority, along with officials including the Director of ANIIMS, Director of Health Services, and representatives from the Departments of Social Welfare, Education, Health, and Tribal Welfare. Representatives from the Anti-Narcotics Control Bureau, Andaman and Nicobar Police, and the Composite Regional Centre, Brookshabad also participated.
In addition, the District Child Protection Officer, mental health professionals, and representatives from NGOs including Guru Ki Rasoi, Ration Rasheed Foundation, and WITH YOU contributed valuable suggestions during the discussions aimed at strengthening mental health services in the Islands.
