The task group, which will consist of 15 members, will gather data on mental health and suicide rates, analyze contributing variables, and suggest ways to improve.
In response to worries about depression and suicide among medical students, the National Medical Commission (NMC) established a nationwide task force to examine the causes of these issues and provide evidence-based methods for enhancing mental well-being.
Dr. B M Suresh, a professor in the psychiatry department at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), is the chairman of the 15-member task team.
“Recently, there has been worry about the mental health of medical students, which has resulted in depression and suicide among them. The National Medical Commission (NMC) anti-ragging committee has formed a National Task Force to handle this issue, according to an office order dated February 21.
The task force is mandated under the terms and references to review the literature and data currently available on medical students’ mental health and suicide, identify the variables that contribute to these issues, and provide evidence-based measures for enhancing mental health and suicide readiness.
Additionally, the committee will tour the colleges where suicide instances have been documented.
By May 31, 2024, the task force will have produced a thorough report with major findings and practical suggestions for improving medical students’ mental health. It will also deliver the anti-ragging cell’s monthly progress report.
The task force will meet regularly, in person or digitally, as needed to carry out its mandate.
The committees may also pay visits to the medical colleges where suicide instances have been documented.
