The State-Level Consensus Building Meeting under the Mental Health System Assessment initiative was successfully convened on Friday at Sushruta Hall, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, health officials, and experts to deliberate on strengthening the mental health system in Manipur. The programme was graced by Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, Director, RIMS, Imphal, Dr. N. Bino Singh, Director of Family Welfare, Manipur, and Dr. N. Hemanta Kumar Singh, Director of Health Services, Manipur. Brogen Singh Akoijam, Professor of Community Medicine, and Prof. S. Gojendra Singh, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, RIMS, are the Principal Investigators of NMHS-2, while Dr. Mona Nongmeikapam and Dr. Laishram Jalina serve as Co-Principal Investigators.
Speaking at the event, Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma expressed pride in RIMS’ involvement in NMHS-2, one of the world’s largest mental health surveys. He highlighted the significant mental health burden in India and the recent challenges faced by Manipur. He noted that the assessment will review infrastructure, service delivery, treatment gaps, governance, financing, and policy implementation, while emphasising the need for collaboration beyond data collection. Brogen Singh Akoijam, Principal Investigator of NMHS-2, presented an overview of the survey’s objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes, emphasizing the need for data-driven planning and evidence-based interventions to address mental health challenges in Manipur. The subsequent Consensus Building Exercise, led by Akoijam and Visakh, State Coordinator, NMHS-2 Manipur, facilitated constructive discussions, during which stakeholders shared recommendations to strengthen service delivery, improve accessibility, and integrate mental health services within the broader public health system. The deliberations marked a significant step toward strengthening Manipur’s mental health system through collaborative planning and consensus-driven strategies.
Meanwhile, the Medical Society of RIMS, Imphal, held its 6th Scientific Session for the academic year 2025–26 at Banting Hall, providing a platform for research presentations and case discussions. Eight papers from multiple specialties were presented, followed by interactive discussions. Senior faculty members moderated the session, reinforcing RIMS’ commitment to research, collaboration, and academic excellence.
