Jaipur, May 20, 2025 — A delegation from the University of Manchester, UK, is currently visiting Rajasthan to explore potential collaborations with the state government in the fields of non-communicable diseases, mental health, and climate change. The delegation plans to meet Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to discuss formalizing these partnerships.(The Times of India)

Focus on Mental Health Initiatives

Keith Brennan, Vice Dean for Internationalisation at the University’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, highlighted their interest in deploying a mental health diagnostic tool in Rajasthan. This triage tool, developed in the UK and utilized by the Home Office to assess mental health conditions among asylum seekers, is designed to assist frontline healthcare workers in identifying various mental health issues. Brennan emphasized the potential benefits of implementing this tool in Rajasthan’s healthcare system.(The Times of India)

Addressing Student Mental Health Concerns

Dr. Vimal Kumar Sharma, Professor of Global Mental Health Research at the University of Manchester, expressed concern over the rising number of student suicides in Rajasthan. He emphasized the university’s commitment to strengthening national mental health strategies through early intervention and support for government implementation programs.(The Times of India)

Collaborative Efforts with Local Institutions

The delegation also met with Dr. ML Swarankar, founder chairman of Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology (MGUMST). Dr. Swarankar welcomed the prospect of collaboration, aiming to advance medical research through joint efforts with the University of Manchester.(The Times of India)

Source: The Times of India