AIIMS unveils AI-powered mental health programme for students

In an effort to prevent student suicides, AIIMS Delhi has launched “Never Alone”, an AI-powered mental health and wellness programme that provides round-the-clock screening, counselling, intervention, and follow-up care via a secure web-based app accessible on WhatsApp.

The initiative was rolled out at AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and IHBAS Shahdara, with plans to expand across other AIIMS through the Global Centre of Integrative Health (GCIH).

"Suicide is largely preventable. Yet, stigma and lack of awareness keep nearly 70-80% of people with mental health issues from seeking treatment," said Dr Nand Kumar, professor of psychiatry at AIIMS. "Even in medical colleges, where psychiatrists are available, we see suicides because students hesitate to reach out."


According to AIIMS data, globally suicide claims 727,000 lives each year — one every 45 seconds, while NCRB estimates show that India recorded 1.7 lakh deaths in 2022, the highest in 56 years, with youth between 18–30 years most vulnerable.

"Many suicides are not premeditated but impulsive, triggered by relationship disputes, financial crises, chronic illness, or sheer inability to cope with stress," Dr Kumar added.

The ‘Never Alone’ app aims to break stigma and ensure immediate, anonymous support, connecting students with counsellors, psychiatrists, and faculty members.

"Suicide can affect anyone — rich or poor, rural or urban. But loneliness and lack of support are often the tipping points. With Never Alone, we want to ensure no student feels isolated, and every cry for help finds an answer," said Dr Kumar.

[With TOI inputs]