Being thousands of kilometers away from Earth, surrounded by a deep, dark sky with pin-drop silence, can make it challenging for astronauts to maintain their mental well-being. Astronauts carry the immense responsibility of staying physically and mentally fit, as any lapse could negatively affect their mission. To help astronauts remain as strong as possible during space travel, Secretary of the Department of Space and ISRO Chairman, S. Somnath, believes that NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) can play a critical role. He emphasized that the institute could provide psychological support and educate astronauts on mental health. He made these remarks during the 27th convocation of NIMHANS on Thursday.

Addressing 572 graduates, including 101 in absentia and 39 medalists, Somnath encouraged students to unlock their potential. He drew parallels between space exploration and human thought, explaining that both operate on similar principles. He stressed that just as space exploration pushes the boundaries of human capability, individuals should strive to expand their own mental and emotional horizons.

Somnath also discussed the importance of human-machine interaction, not just in space exploration but also in medicine. He advocated for an integrated approach to technology and human interaction to maximize benefits in both fields. This integration, he argued, would help expand individual knowledge and capabilities, ultimately solving complex problems faced by humanity. By merging human intuition and technological advancements, both space science and medical fields can address intricate challenges with greater efficiency.

He also touched upon the stress many individuals face while trying to keep pace with advancing technology. He urged researchers to focus on building mental resilience and teaching stress management strategies, noting that this would help individuals better cope with the pressures of a rapidly evolving world.

Union Health Minister and President of NIMHANS, J.P. Nadda, addressed the graduates as well, urging them to work towards improving the country and delivering evidence-based care to their patients. Nadda emphasized that the journey of a healthcare professional is not just an individual endeavor but a collective effort, essential for making patients' lives more meaningful. He commended NIMHANS for its leadership in advancing mental health services and noted its crucial role in enhancing care throughout India.

Nadda also highlighted the government's Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (KaBHI), which aims to provide neurological services through district-level brain health clinics. He applauded NIMHANS' involvement in this project and stressed its importance in making mental and neurological healthcare accessible to all, particularly in underserved areas. The initiative is designed to improve early diagnosis and treatment of brain-related conditions like dementia, epilepsy, and stroke, which have long been neglected in primary healthcare.

Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, the Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development and Vice President of NIMHANS, also spoke at the convocation. He emphasized the need to make mental health care easily accessible to everyone, without discrimination. Patil acknowledged that mental health services are often limited in availability, especially in rural and underserved regions. He pledged to address this gap and assured that steps are being taken to improve access to care.

Patil further announced that the hub-and-spoke model for acute stroke and neurotrauma care, pioneered by NIMHANS, would soon expand to other medical colleges across the state. This model is designed to deliver timely and specialized care to stroke and trauma patients, particularly in remote areas where advanced healthcare facilities are scarce. By expanding this model, Patil hopes to improve outcomes for patients with neurological conditions, ensuring they receive the care they need without unnecessary delays.

He also reiterated the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders—governments, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and researchers—to ensure that the advancements in healthcare are effectively implemented on the ground. With increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, Patil stressed that the future of healthcare lies in integrating mental health into general health services, ensuring that no one is left behind in receiving the care they deserve.

Both Somnath and Nadda underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience in addressing the many challenges faced by healthcare and space exploration alike.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)