Union Minister of State for Health, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, recently informed the Rajya Sabha that the Government does not maintain centralized data on medical interns who have committed suicide in Government-run hospitals. Responding to Parliament member Shri Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, who inquired about the number of such cases in the last five years, the Minister stated that no centralized database exists for this specific information.
This announcement contrasts with earlier data revealed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) through a Right to Information (RTI) request. The RTI, filed by health activist Dr. Vivek Pandey, unveiled that 122 medical students committed suicide between 2018 and 2022. Among these, 64 were MBBS students, while 58 were pursuing postgraduate (PG) medical courses.
The RTI data highlighted state-wise disparities in the suicides of medical students. Kerala and Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of MBBS student suicides, with nine and eight cases, respectively. For PG students, Maharashtra and Karnataka saw the most tragic instances, with 11 suicides each. These numbers have sparked discussions about the systemic challenges medical students face, such as academic stress, lack of mental health support, and the pressure to excel in a highly demanding field.
In response to these concerning trends, the Government has introduced several initiatives aimed at supporting the mental health of medical students. Shri Prataprao Jadhav outlined these measures in Parliament:
In February 2024, the Anti-Ragging Committee of the NMC constituted a 15-member National Task Force on Mental Health and Well-being of Medical Students. This task force recommended establishing centralized reporting systems for tracking suicides, fostering supportive environments, addressing systemic issues, and implementing regular training programs.
Medical students facing mental health challenges or issues related to ragging can lodge complaints through various platforms, including the NMC website and the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS).
The Prevention and Prohibition of Ragging in Medical College and Institutions Regulations, 2021, mandate annual compliance reports from colleges and prescribe strict punitive actions for offenders.
The Government has made significant strides in broadening access to mental health care under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP). As of now, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), a component of NMHP, has been implemented in 767 districts.
Key facilities offered under DMHP include:
Outpatient services for assessment, counseling, and psycho-social interventions.
Continuing care and support for severe mental disorders.
Outreach and ambulance services at the community level.
10-bed inpatient facilities at district hospitals.
To further address mental health challenges, the Government is upgrading over 1.73 lakh Sub-Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental health services have been integrated into the Comprehensive Primary Health Care package offered at these centers.
The National Suicide Prevention Strategy, launched in November 2022, outlines a robust framework for reducing suicide rates across India. Additionally, the Government has introduced the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) to enhance access to mental health counseling and care.
Under the NTMHP, the Government has set up 53 Tele MANAS cells across 36 States and Union Territories. These centers have handled over 1.5 million calls as of November 2024, providing free, confidential mental health support. The Tele MANAS Mobile Application, launched on World Mental Health Day 2024, offers a comprehensive digital platform to address a wide range of mental health concerns, from well-being to serious disorders.
To ensure widespread awareness, the Department of Higher Education has been requested to promote NTMHP and Tele MANAS in educational institutions. Similar instructions have been issued to Institutes of National Importance, AIIMS, and Central Government Medical Colleges.
The Government’s mental health initiatives focus on four key objectives:
Suicide Prevention and Stress Management: Implementing life skills training and counseling in schools and colleges.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services: Ensuring long-term care at district and community healthcare levels.
Capacity Building: Enhancing infrastructure, equipment, and human resources for mental health care.
Community Participation: Promoting awareness and involvement in mental healthcare delivery.
While the NMC has taken significant steps to address the issue, experts and stakeholders argue for the need for a centralized reporting system for medical student suicides. Such a system could provide accurate data to shape policies, allocate resources, and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)