At a time when mental stress contributing to suicide among students has become a cause of worry, the AIIMS-Bhubaneswar has decided to launch “Never Alone” programme — an Artificial Intelligence-powered mental health and wellness platform.
The programme forms part of a broader strategy to offer round-the-clock support and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health among youth.
The “Never Alone” app, officially launched on World Suicide Prevention Day at the AIIMS Delhi, will be implemented at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said AIIMS authorities on Saturday.
The platform provides a highly secure, web-based interface accessible 24×7 through WhatsApp, ensuring continuous mental health support for students. The Department of Psychiatry will implement the app.
“Students will have both virtual and offline access to consultations with mental health and wellness experts through the app,” said Dr Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
The app focuses on three key pillars: screening for mental health concerns, Intervention by professionals and volunteers, and post-intervention follow-up.
The mental health screening process is personalised and secure. Upon receiving student queries, the app uses AI to generate a diagnostic summary, followed by a treatment link powered by AI. This link will be automatically sent to the AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the AIIMS Delhi, the Council for Wellness of Students (CWS) or trained student volunteers as opted by the student.
The initiative creates an integrated network of psychiatrists, counsellors, faculty members, and student volunteers, ensuring quick and confidential support.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar aims to implement it through this innovative fusion of technology and compassion, addressing the growing need for accessible mental health services among students in higher education, added the authorities.