In a pioneering move aimed at combating student suicides and alleviating psychological distress, Dr NTR University of Health Sciences has launched a landmark mental health initiative for future doctors in Andhra Pradesh.
A First-of-its-Kind Partnership for Student Wellbeing
The university has entered into a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US-based Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Institute India. The agreement, signed on Friday at the university premises in Vijayawada, mandates structured mental health training for medical undergraduates across the state. The signing ceremony was attended by Saurabh Gaur, Secretary (Medical & Health).
This collaboration marks a significant step towards institutionalising psychological support within medical education. The programme is specifically designed for all first-year MBBS students of the 2025-26 academic batch, studying in both government and private medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh.
Programme Structure and Implementation
The training sessions will focus on three core areas: promoting overall mental wellbeing, equipping students with practical stress-coping mechanisms, and helping them identify and overcome suicidal ideation. The training will be conducted on scheduled dates for each college in a phased manner to ensure effective delivery and reach.
QPR Institute India will execute the programme through Dr Aparna Uppal, a US-based Indian-origin child psychiatrist. Dr Uppal, who is also the director of Emotional Assessment of Students by Educators (EASE), is associated with the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.
Secretary Saurabh Gaur outlined the financial commitment, stating that the university will bear the expenditure for students enrolled in private medical colleges. He confirmed the programme will run for an initial period of five years, starting from the 2025-26 academic year.
Addressing a Critical Need in Medical Education
Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav emphasised the vulnerability of first-year MBBS students, who face immense academic pressure and emotional stress during their transition into the rigorous world of medical education. He cited multiple studies that have documented elevated stress levels among this cohort, prompting the government's targeted intervention.
The minister highlighted that this initiative is the first instance in the country where such a comprehensive and structured agreement is being implemented exclusively for medical students. Officials believe the programme will set a national benchmark for addressing mental health and suicide prevention through early intervention and robust institutional support.
By proactively integrating mental health training into the medical curriculum, Andhra Pradesh aims to foster a more resilient generation of healthcare professionals, better equipped to handle their own wellbeing while caring for others.
