Our institutions not only share long and storied histories, evolving from asylums to become the forefront of their nations’ clinical and academic practice, but we also have so much joint history, and so many people have worked across both organisations. I can think of no better metaphor for this than the Chair of eminent psychiatrist William Meyer-Gross, which sits in the office of the Dean of the IoPPN, with Meyer-Gross’s desk held at NIMHANs. I am excited about future joint plans with our colleagues in India.
Professor Derek Tracy, Chief Medical Officer at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
12 August 2026
Bringing together experts in mental health across London and India to improve South Asian mental healthcare
Ambitious discussions between the IoPPN, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) and The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) have begun to revitalise a long-standing, collaborative relationship.
NIMHANS is India’s leading mental health and neuroscience institution. Based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, it is recognised as an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
The integrated approach at NIMHANS combines patient care, research, education, community outreach, and policy development—enabling it to play a pivotal role in advancing mental healthcare and understanding both nationally and internationally.
A visit in June from NIMHANS colleagues to IoPPN and SLaM included high-level strategic meetings with IoPPN Executive Dean Professor Matthew Hotopf to map out the strategic roadmap going forward. Ties have also been strengthened by activity including joint Grand Round sessions and a joint NIMHANs-SLaM presentation at this year’s Royal College of Psychiatrist’s international congress in Liverpool.
Speaking about the practical potential of this cross-institutional work, Dr Sridevi Sira Mahalingappa, Consultant Psychiatrist at SLaM, NIMHANS alumna, and former President of the British Indian Psychiatric Association (2004–2006), said "We want to see how we can learn from each other’s cultures to expand care for the patients we treat, both here in the UK and in India. Some of the models we have developed in the UK can be culturally adapted for India to bridge gaps in care. In return, we can utilise the rich insights and data NIMHANS possesses regarding culturally informed practices in South Asia."
There are plans in place to establish formal avenues for future collaboration as SLaM, NIMHANS, and IoPPN continue to meet. The primary focus moving forward centres on:
- Sharing Best Clinical Practices: Developing culturally adaptive care strategies tailored to global patient demographics.
- Training Exchanges: Creating opportunities for clinical and academic workforce development between London and Bengaluru.
- Joint Research Initiatives: Combining data and insights to address mental health inequalities in South Asian populations worldwide.