NMC forms task force to address mental health of medical students; final report by May 31

NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has constituted a 15-member National Task Force to address mental health issues in the recent past leading to depression and suicide of medical students. BM Suresh, professor of Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS Bangalore has been appointed chairman by the NMC anti-ragging committee.

The National Task Force on Mental Health and Well-being of medical students will submit its final report in this regard by May 31. It will also submit monthly progress report during this period.

“The Task Force shall study existing literature and data on mental health and suicide of medical students, analyse factors contributing to these challenges, and propose evidence-based strategies for improving mental health and preparatory of suicides,” the NMC on the scope of work.

The committee will also visit the medical colleges where incidents of suicides have been reported. In the final report, the task force will make actionable recommendations for promoting mental health.

“The task force will convene regular meetings, either virtually or in-person, as necessary to fulfil its mandate…Committee may co-opt other Members on need basis to facilitate its study and timely finalization of report,” it added.

Last year, a RTI data showed that the 119 medical students, of which 64 MBBS and 55 postgraduate medicos, died by suicide in the last 5 years. The NMC informed that 1,166 students dropped out of medical colleges. There has been several ragging and suicides reported in medical colleges across the country. The situation is similar for medical aspirants preparing for National Eligiblity-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

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