AIIMS Bathinda celebrated Mental Health Week 2025 “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ October 20,2025
The Institute of Nursing Education and Research (INER), in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Bathinda, successfully concluded Mental Health Week 2025 on the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
The week was organized from 10th October to 17th October under the able guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Ratan Gupta, Executive Director, AIIMS Bathinda, with the aim to provide mental health support in catastrophes and emergencies and to ensure the psychological well-being of affected individuals and communities by promoting timely mental health assistance, resilience, and recovery during and after crises.
The Mental Health Week included various activities such as essay writing, awareness skit, quiz, slogan writing, awareness rally, rangoli, and poster competitions, with participation from more than 210 B.Sc. and M.Sc. Nursing students. The week concluded on 17th October with a symposium highlighting the importance of mental health awareness through insightful sessions by experts.
The event culminated with the symposium on “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” which was graced by the guest of honour Dr. Ratan Gupta, Executive Director, AIIMS Bathinda. The symposium featured discussions emphasizing the importance of mental health care during disasters and emergencies. The sessions highlighted the crucial role of nurses in promoting psychological well-being and resilience in crisis conditions.
The symposium commenced with the address of Dr. Akhilesh Pathak, Dean Academics, who emphasized the importance of mental well-being among healthcare workers, followed by other dignitaries — Col. Rajeev Sen Roy, Deputy Director (Administration), AIIMS Bathinda; Dr. Gurvinder Pal Singh, Head and Professor, Department of Psychiatry; and Dr. Jitender Aneja, Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatry.
In addition, Dr. Kamlesh K. Sharma, Professor-cum-Principal, Institute of Nursing Education and Research (INER), AIIMS Bathinda, highlighted the barriers to mental health access during disasters and emergencies. Atul Sharma, Assistant Professor, INER, presented key insights on “Psychological First Aid – Disaster & Emergencies,” while Mr. Pardeep Kumar, Nursing Tutor, INER, emphasized “Stress Management Strategies – Disaster and Emergencies.”
The program concluded with an address by Dr. Rajiv Kumar Gupta, Medical Superintendent, AIIMS Bathinda. This occasion promoted awareness about mental health, making the week meaningful and inspiring.
