World Health Day 2024: NMC launches initiative to improve mental health of medical students

NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission (NMC) and the National Task Force on Mental Health and Well-being of Medical Students (NTF) have launched a "My Health, My Rights" initiative to address healthcare challenges faced by medical students and professionals. The initiative launched on the occasion of World Health Day 2024 will be coordinated by NMC’s anti-ragging committee.

The initiative will provide mental health support services, confidential counselling, therapy, and resources to address stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

It also aims to introduce wellness programmes focusing on physical health, emotional resilience, and work-life balance, including yoga, mindfulness meditation, stress management workshops, and nutritional guidance.

World Health Day 2024 is celebrated on April 7 every year. This year's theme for World Health Day is “My health, my rights”. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Council on the Economics of Health for All said that it has found that at least 140 countries recognize health as a human right in their constitution.

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Emphasizing the importance of prioritising health, Aruna Vanikar, president of UGMEB, NMC, said there is a “need to destigmatize mental health issues within the medical community, fostering a culture of openness and support and underscored the importance of prioritizing the well-being of healthcare providers and implementing mentorship programs to build resilience in medical students”.

On this occasion, Vijay Oza, president of PGMEB, NMC, talked about the rights of postgraduate medical students to comprehensive training, mentorship, and emotional resilience support.

“Under the theme "My Health, My Rights," individuals are encouraged to take ownership of their health through activities such as exercise, nutrition, meditation, social engagement, and environmental stewardship,” the commission said.