Break the Stigma: PGIMS Rohtak Kicks Off Month-Long Mental Health Drive
Pt Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences (UHSR), Rohtak, launched a month-long mental health awareness campaign on Thursday, with Vice-Chancellor Dr H.K. Aggarwal flagging off an awareness rally from the VC’s office.
Girish Saini
Oct 1, 2026 10:07
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Rohtak, October 1, 2026: Pt Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences (UHSR), Rohtak, launched a month-long mental health awareness campaign on Thursday, with Vice-Chancellor Dr H.K. Aggarwal flagging off an awareness rally from the VC’s office.
The campaign, being organised by the Institute of Mental Health, will continue till October 30. Dr Aggarwal said mental health was as important as physical health, stressing that stress, work pressure and social media were contributing to rising mental health concerns. “Mental illness is not a curse. Like other illnesses, it can be treated, and timely intervention can help a person recover,” he said.
Registrar Dr Roop Singh said increasing mental stress among youngsters was a concern, with academic pressure, career anxiety, unemployment and loneliness contributing to depression. He stressed the need for counselling and awareness programmes in educational institutions.
PGIMS Director Dr S.K. Singhal said modern facilities were available for patients with mental health conditions at PGIMS Rohtak, where hundreds seek consultation at the OPD daily. Free consultation and medicines are provided, he said.
Institute of Mental Health Director-cum-CEO Dr Sujata Sethi said the campaign’s theme was “Strong Mind, Healthy Community, Bright Tomorrow”, with the focus on reducing stigma around mental illness. Awareness programmes, street plays, poster competitions, lectures and free screening camps will be organised at schools, colleges and other locations.
Dr Sethi said early signs such as persistent sadness, anxiety, panic, sleep problems, loss of appetite and substance use should not be ignored.
The rally, which covered the route from the VC’s office to the MDU campus, saw participation from doctors, nursing staff and students carrying awareness placards. October 10 will be observed as World Mental Health Day as part of the campaign.
