New Delhi, The AIIMS Delhi Faculty Association on Sunday urged the institute’s director to upgrade the Student Wellness Centre and improve extracurricular facilities on the campus for the mental well-being of students and residents.
The association’s request comes against the backdrop of an online survey by a National Medical Commission task force that found nearly 28 percent of undergraduate medical students and 15.3 percent of graduate students reported having been diagnosed with mental health problems.
According to the survey results, 16.2 percent of MBBS students reported having thoughts of self-harm or suicide in the past 12 months, while the figure was recorded at 31 percent among MD/MS students.
In a letter to the director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Delhi, FAIMS also proposed that a task force be formed to carry out an assessment and subsequent development of facilities and extracurricular events for the AIIMS campus to help foster a sense of community and belonging among students, residents and staff.
“As mental health issues among students, residents and scientists have become increasingly prevalent, we must prioritize their well-being alongside academic and professional excellence,” FAIMS said.
Recent studies indicate that one in four MBBS students suffers from some form of anxiety, depression or other mental health problems, he said.
These alarming data highlight the critical need to improve mental health services, resources and support systems within the institution, the association said.
“Furthermore, as our institution continues to grow in terms of student population, residents, faculty and staff, it has become increasingly apparent that existing extracurricular facilities have not kept pace with this expansion,” he noted.
“Extracurricular activities play a crucial role in promoting a balanced work-life environment, which is essential to maintaining the mental health and well-being of everyone on campus,” FAIMS said.
However, the current state of facilities and the absence of robust festivals for students and residents have limited opportunities for engagement beyond academic and professional responsibilities, she said, adding that this has contributed to a noticeable gap in support structures that are vital to preventing mental health decline.
“To address this, we propose the formation of a task force dedicated to the evaluation and further development of extracurricular facilities and events,” FAIMS said.
The task force would be tasked with identifying areas that are lagging and suggesting systemic improvements. This could include developing new spaces and facilities for hobbies, activity clubs and reviving student and resident festivals, which have historically been a vibrant part of AIIMS campus culture, he said.
“The reactivation and expansion of these facilities and events would not only enhance the overall campus experience, but would also foster a sense of community and belonging among students, residents, and staff. It is imperative that we take proactive steps to create an environment that supports both the academic and personal growth of our community members,” FAIMS stated.
“We request that modernisation of SWC and upgradation of extracurricular facilities be undertaken as a top priority. Ensuring the mental well-being of our students and colleagues, along with fostering a vibrant campus culture, is essential for their overall development and to sustain AIIMS New Delhi’s mission of excellence in patient care, research and education,” he said.
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