Centre for Public Health

In recognition of the growing importance of mental, neurological, and substance-use disorders and injuries, the public health activities targeting these are also receiving thrust, both in India and globally. Within India, the National Mental Health Program (NMHP), introduced in 1980's, is being revitalized. The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is expanded from the existing nearly 127 districts to cover the whole of country in next five years. The National program for Prevention and control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), and National program for Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE) have been recently initiated. The constitution of a National Road Safety Agency and revision of Indian Motor Vehicles Act are awaiting approval of Indian parliament. Trauma care is being strengthened with the National Trauma Care Program.

In order to be successful and efficient, these public health responses need to be evidence driven and backed by comprehensive health care systems and skilled public health personnel who can plan, implement, monitor and evaluate public health strategies and approaches. Unfortunately, as previously discussed in numerous fora, India is woefully short of skilled public health personnel and sustainable public health initiatives.

The Centre for Public Health (CPH) is being established at NIMHANS to address this need and to bridge the existing gaps.