Home / Education / Andhra Pradesh Battles Student Suicide Crisis
Andhra Pradesh Battles Student Suicide Crisis
2 Jan
Summary
- New program targets mental health of medical students in Andhra Pradesh.
- Training starts 2025-26, focusing on first-year MBBS students.
- Collaboration with US-based QPR Institute for structured training.
The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated a vital program aimed at bolstering the mental health of its medical students and preventing suicides. This comprehensive initiative, set to commence with the 2025-26 academic year, will offer structured mental health training to first-year MBBS students in all government and private medical colleges across the state.
The program is a collaboration between Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences and the U.S.-based QPR Institute. It prioritizes emotional well-being, stress management, and the prevention of suicidal ideation through scheduled training sessions. This marks a significant first in India, addressing documented high stress levels among early-career medical students.
Data from the National Medical Commission indicates substantial mental health challenges, with 27.8% of undergraduate and 15% of postgraduate medical students experiencing issues. The new training, coordinated by U.S.-based psychiatrist Aparna Uppal, will involve direct interaction with professionals, assessments, and personalized counseling, with NTRUHS covering costs for private college students.
