AIIMS Launches AI Mental Health Programme Never Alone
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, revealed a new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based mental health programme called Never Alone in 2025. The initiative targets the rising concern of student suicides and mental health awareness. Launched on World Suicide Prevention Day, the programme offers round-the-clock virtual and offline consultations through a web-based app accessible on WhatsApp. It aims to provide affordable, personalised, and secure mental health screening for students across India.
Background and Urgency
India faces a severe mental health crisis with over 1.7 lakh suicides reported in 2022, the highest in more than five decades. Young adults aged 18 to 30 accounted for 35 per cent of these deaths. Suicide is a leading public health issue globally, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting one death every 45 seconds worldwide. Low- and middle-income countries bear 73 per cent of this burden. In India, mental health stigma and lack of awareness contribute to a large treatment gap, with 70 to 80 per cent of affected individuals not seeking help.
Features of the Never Alone Programme
The programme offers personalised mental health screening at an affordable cost of just 70 paise per student per day for institutions with 5,000 or more students. It is designed to be highly secure and accessible via WhatsApp, ensuring ease of use. Students can access consultations both virtually and offline. The app focuses on screening, intervention, and post-intervention follow-up to ensure continuous care. The service is currently available at AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Shahdara, with plans for expansion.
Implementation and Support
Educational institutions can subscribe to the programme by approaching AIIMS Delhi. All AIIMS institutions nationwide will receive the service free of cost through the Global Centre of Integrative Health (GCIH), a non-profit initiative supported by AIIMS alumnus Dr Deepak Chopra. The GCIH aims to promote integrative health and personal transformation, enhancing the programme’s reach and impact.
Addressing Stigma and Treatment Gaps
Mental health stigma remains a major barrier to treatment in India. Despite the availability of mental health professionals, many students avoid seeking help due to fear and social stigma. Never Alone aims to normalise mental health discussions and reduce stigma through easy access and confidentiality. The programme also marks the importance of a public health approach to suicide prevention, including increasing trained mental health professionals and addressing social and economic stressors that trigger impulsive suicides.
Significance
The programme specifically targets college and university students, a vulnerable group with high suicide rates. By integrating AI and digital platforms, it ensures timely intervention and continuous support. The cost-effective model makes it feasible for large educational institutions, potentially transforming mental health care accessibility in India’s youth population.
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