New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has constituted a 15-member National Task Force to address mental health issues and suicides among medical students. The task force will be headed by Dr. B.M. Suresh, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru.
“The 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),” an office order issued on February 21 said.
The task force will study existing literature and data on mental health and suicide of medical students, analyze factors contributing to these challenges, and propose evidence-based strategies for improving mental health and preventing suicides.
The task force will submit a comprehensive report by May 31, 2024, presenting key findings and actionable recommendations for promoting mental health among medical students. It will also submit monthly progress reports to the anti-ragging cell.
The task force will hold regular meetings, either virtually or in person, as required to fulfill its mandate. Additionally, the committee may also visit medical colleges where incidents of suicides have been reported.
The constitution of the National Task Force is a significant step by the NMC to address the growing concerns related to mental health and suicides among medical students. The task force is expected to come up with evidence-based recommendations that will help improve the mental health and well-being of medical students across the country.
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