AIIMS Bhubaneswar to launch ‘Never Alone’ app to tackle student suicide

In a significant step toward improving student mental health and preventing suicides, the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, is set to roll out the ‘Never Alone’ programme — an AI-driven mental wellness platform.

The initiative is designed to provide continuous support to students while addressing the stigma often associated with mental health issues. Originally launched at AIIMS Delhi on World Suicide Prevention Day, the platform will now be extended to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Accessible 24x7 via WhatsApp, the ‘Never Alone’ app offers a secure, web-based interface that connects students with mental health professionals and trained volunteers, both virtually and offline. The Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS Bhubaneswar will oversee its implementation.

“Through the app, students can seek confidential consultations with wellness experts at any time, ensuring timely intervention,” said Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

The platform operates on three main pillars: mental health screening, professional intervention, and post-intervention follow-up. Using AI, student queries are analyzed to produce a personalized diagnostic summary, followed by automated links for treatment and support. These responses are routed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Delhi, the Council for Wellness of Students, or student volunteers, depending on the student’s preference.

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By creating a network of psychiatrists, counsellors, faculty, and trained volunteers, AIIMS Bhubaneswar aims to provide swift, confidential, and accessible mental health support. The institute hopes this initiative will serve as a model for higher education institutions across the country.