AIIMS-Delhi on Wednesday (September 10) launched “Never Alone,” an AI-based mental health and wellness app to help students tackle suicidal thoughts and reduce stigma around mental illness. The launch coincided with World Suicide Prevention Day and was also rolled out at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) in Shahdara.
The secure, web-based app is accessible 24/7 via WhatsApp and provides screening, intervention, and follow-up support. Students can also connect with mental health professionals virtually or in person.
According to Dr. Nand Kumar, Professor of Psychiatry at AIIMS-Delhi, the screening costs just 70 paise per student per day. Institutions can subscribe through AIIMS-Delhi, while all AIIMS campuses will get the service free under the Global Centre of Integrative Health (GCIH), a non-profit mentored by Dr. Deepak Chopra.
Citing WHO and NCRB data, Dr. Kumar said suicide remains a major public health issue. India recorded 1.7 lakh suicide deaths in 2022, the highest in over five decades, with young adults forming the largest share. He added that stigma and lack of awareness prevent 70–80% of people with mental health issues from seeking help, underscoring the need for wider preventive measures.
