Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Government to establish NIMHANS-2 in North India
The government of India has announced the creation of a new mental health institute called NIMHANS-2 in North India.
This is similar to the existing NIMHANS in Bengaluru, which is a top institute for mental health and neuroscience.
The new institute aims to bring better mental healthcare to people in North India who don't have easy access to such services.
Doctors are happy about this news because it will help more people get the care they need.
Some doctors also want the new institute to focus only on modern medicine and not include traditional treatments like Ayurveda and homeopathy.
The government is also upgrading other mental health institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur to make them better.
This is important because many people in India need help with their mental health, and there are not enough doctors to help everyone.
The government will set up NIMHANS-2 in North India to strengthen mental health infrastructure.
NIMHANS in Bengaluru is the only mental health institution with 'Institute of National Importance' status.
The new institute aims to provide advanced mental healthcare to underserved communities in North India.
Doctors have mixed reactions, with some calling it a visionary step and others urging the government not to include Ayurveda and homeopathy.
The announcement was made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Budget speech.
- Who
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
- What
- Announcement of NIMHANS-2 and upgrading of mental health institutes
- When
- During the Budget speech
- Where
- North India
- Why
- To strengthen mental health infrastructure and provide advanced care to underserved communities
Doctors and Experts
Government
Inclusion of Ayurveda and Homeopathy
Doctors and Experts
Some doctors urge the government not to include Ayurveda and homeopathy in the new institute, advocating for a focus on modern medicine.
Government
The government has not explicitly stated whether traditional treatments will be included, focusing instead on upgrading mental health infrastructure.
- Institution
- NIMHANS-2
- Location
- North India
- Announced By
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
- Current NIMHANS Location
- Bengaluru
- Status of NIMHANS
- Institute of National Importance
- Established Year of NIMHANS
- 1974
- Upgraded Institutions
- National Mental Health Institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur
- Tele-MANAS
- National helpline for free mental health counselling
- Economic Impact
- $1.03 trillion in economic losses projected between 2012 and 2030
- Psychiatrists per 100,000 Citizens
- 0.75
- Suicide Rate
- 21.1 per 100,000 people
Sources
North India to get its own NIMHANS, says FM. Doctors react: ‘Visionary’ to ‘no Ayurveda pls’
Sitharaman proposes a new National Institute of Design in eastern India. ‘A good push’
Budget 2026: Govt to set up Nimhans 2 to boost mental health support
