Mental Health Must Be a National Priority: Prof. P.V. Mohan Krishna

Tumakuru: Safeguarding mental health should be a national priority, said Prof. P.V. Mohan Krishna, former Chief Nursing Officer at NIMHANS.

Speaking as the chief guest at the graduation ceremony of Shridevi College of Nursing, he cited a World Health Organization report stating that over 25% of India’s population is affected by mental health challenges. “The rise in suicide tendencies, depression and psychological stress is affecting all sections of society — the elderly, women, children, students, and teachers. Nurses play a crucial role in providing care and early intervention,” he said.

He stressed the need to strengthen mental health services at the district, taluk, and village levels. He also noted that the decline of joint families and increasing social isolation have contributed