Archive · 6 Oct 2026
NTR University Calls for Stronger Mentoring and Student Mental-Health Support
Dr NTR University of Health Sciences wants medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh to give students more support.
It suggested that one teacher guide six or seven students.
Teachers who speak with students regularly may notice sooner if someone is struggling.
Warning signs can include missing classes, pulling away from others or doing worse in studies.
Colleges were also asked to explain where students can get help and to meet with parents at least once a year.
A programme called EASE-AP trains students and educators to recognize distress and connect people with support.
The university also supported special stress-management sessions for postgraduate students.
Dr Aparna Vuppala said asking for mental-health help should not be seen as a weakness.
Dr NTR University of Health Sciences urged Andhra Pradesh medical colleges to strengthen mentor-mentee systems, assigning one faculty member to six or seven students.
University leaders said regular mentor-student contact can help identify academic, emotional and psychological difficulties early.
The university advised colleges to raise awareness of support services and involve parents through meetings at least once a year.
Mentors were urged to watch for warning signs, including withdrawal, absenteeism and declining academic performance, and refer students for professional help when needed.
EASE-AP training reached 36 medical colleges for the 2025 MBBS batch; the university also backed stress-management sessions for postgraduate students and strict implementation of student-well-being guidelines.
- Who
- Dr NTR University of Health Sciences, Andhra Pradesh medical colleges, and the university officials and mental-health specialist involved.
- What
- The university called for stronger student mentoring, early identification of distress and appropriate support.
- When
- The webinar took place on Monday; the article does not give a date. EASE-AP training was conducted for the 2025 MBBS batch.
- Where
- Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh; the webinar addressed principals of medical colleges in the state.
- Why
- To safeguard medical students’ mental health and well-being and identify difficulties early.
- Institution
- Dr NTR University of Health Sciences
- Suggested mentor group
- One faculty member for six to seven students
- Parent meetings
- At least once a year
- EASE-AP training coverage
- 36 institutions: 17 government and 19 private medical colleges
- Private-college peer mentor enrollment
- 3,645 students enrolled; 3,633 attended
- QPR training
- 3,059 students completed training; QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer
- EASE-AP
- Emotional Assessment of Students by Educators; launched in 2023 with support from QPR Institute India and Suicide Prevention India Foundation
