♦ The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans), Bengaluru, have signed an agreement for collaborative research and training aimed at enhancing mental health support and care for the Armed Forces on 20 March 2025. 

♦ The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, and Dr Pratima Murthy, Director of Nimhans, at a function attended by senior officials from both institutions.

♦ The collaboration will focus on strengthening mental health services, conducting specialized training for medical personnel, and developing innovative programmes to address the mental health issues faced by soldiers, sailors, airmen, their families, and dependants.

♦ The key objectives of the MoU include collaborative research, faculty exchange, and academic activities.

♦ Nimhans, with its expertise in neuropsychiatry, will assist in conducting research on advanced psychiatric care and support to military personnel, addressing common issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.