In a groundbreaking initiative on World Suicide Prevention Day, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS-Delhi) launched an Artificial Intelligence-based mental health and wellness programme titled “Never Alone.” This innovative platform aims to address suicidal tendencies among students, reduce the stigma around mental health, and provide timely screening, intervention, and post-intervention follow-up for college and university students across India.
According to Dr Nand Kumar, Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS-Delhi, “Never Alone” is designed as a web-based, highly secured mental health app accessible round the clock, including via WhatsApp. Students will benefit from both virtual and offline consultations with mental health and wellness experts, making the programme accessible and affordable.
The AIIMS-Delhi mental health initiative has also been launched simultaneously at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) in Shahdara, expanding its reach to thousands of students.
Affordable and Secure Mental Health Support
The “Never Alone” app offers personalised and secure basic mental health screening at an extremely low cost—just 70 paisa per student per day. Institutes seeking to provide their students with access to this platform can subscribe directly through AIIMS-Delhi. The service will also be extended to all AIIMSes without any financial implication via the Global Centre of Integrative Health (GCIH), a not-for-profit initiative mentored by renowned AIIMS alumnus Dr Deepak Chopra, a global pioneer in integrative health and personal transformation.
Addressing Student Suicide – A Public Health Priority
Suicide is a major public health challenge in India, with NCRB data showing 1,70,924 deaths by suicide in 2022, the highest in over 56 years. Young adults aged 18 to 30 accounted for 35% of these deaths, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Dr Kumar emphasized that despite the availability of psychiatrists and psychologists in medical colleges, 70–80% of individuals with mental health issues do not seek treatment, mainly due to stigma and lack of awareness.
The “Never Alone” AI-based programme is designed to break this barrier by making mental health support easily accessible, confidential, and stigma-free. By integrating AI technology with expert consultations, the initiative represents a holistic approach to student mental wellness and suicide prevention.
A Step Towards Stigma-Free Mental Health
The AIIMS-Delhi Never Alone initiative reflects a public health approach to suicide prevention, focusing on early detection, intervention, and continuous follow-up. By promoting mental health awareness, offering 24/7 support, and ensuring affordable access, the programme aims to save lives and foster resilience among India’s youth.
With the launch of “Never Alone,” AIIMS-Delhi has set a precedent for educational institutions nationwide to invest in AI-driven mental health and wellness programmes that address student stress, depression, and suicidal tendencies, thereby shaping a healthier and more supportive campus environment.
