Sharda University Hosts 4th International & 25th Annual Conference of ISPN On Mental Health & Nursing

Greater Noida, February 25, 2026: Sharda University is hosting the 4th International & 25th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Psychiatric Nurses (ISPN India) from February 23rd to 25th at Sharda University, Greater Noida.
This landmark conference marks a significant milestone in advancing psychiatric and mental health nursing practice in India and globally. With the growing frequency of natural disasters, humanitarian crises, pandemics, and other emergencies, the conference theme underscores the urgent need to ensure equitable access to mental health services and to strengthen the role of psychiatric and mental health nurses as frontline responders.
The three-day international gathering with the theme Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes & Emergencies – Empowering Nurses, is bringing together distinguished national and international experts from institutions such as NIMHANS, AIIMS, and IHBAS, along with many leading psychiatric nurses, mental health professionals, academicians, researchers, policymakers, and healthcare administrators from India and abroad. A few notable speakers participating in the conference are Dr Radhakrishnan G. (NIMHANS Bengaluru), Dr Rajesh Sagar (AIIMS), Dr Sujata Satapathy (AIIMS), Dr Sandhya Gupta (NHRC, GoI), Col Keka Chatterjee (MNS) (Army Hospital), and Dr G. Balamurugan (Tele MANAS, NIMHANS Bengaluru). The conference aligns with the Digital Mental Health Mission and will serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, skill enhancement, and collaboration at a global level.
The conference aims to deliberate on strategies to bridge service gaps during emergencies, integrate mental health into disaster response frameworks, and empower psychiatric nurses with advanced competencies to respond effectively to crises. The conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest - Dr T. Dileep Kumar, Patron of ISPN and President of the Indian Nursing Council & Dr Bhavuk Garg, Professor Mental Health Division, Directorate General Health Services, MoHFW along with Pro Chancellor Mr Y.K. Gupta, Sharda University and Dr R. Sreeraja Kumar, Associate Dean & Professor, Sharda School of Nursing Science & Research.
“In times of catastrophe and emergencies, mental health support is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Psychiatric and mental health nurses stand at the forefront of compassionate crisis response, ensuring dignity, resilience, and recovery for affected communities”, said Dr R. Sreeraja Kumar, Associate Dean & Professor, Sharda School of Nursing Science & Research, Sharda University.
Dr T. Dileep Kumar, Patron of ISPN and President of the Indian Nursing Council, also commented, "ISPNC 2026 is more than a conference—it is a movement to place mental health care at the centre of disaster response. By equipping psychiatric nurses with advanced skills, global insights, and leadership opportunities, we are shaping a healthcare system that is resilient, inclusive, and prepared for every emergency. Psychiatric nursing is central to preventive and promotive healthcare, and at ISPN 2026 we reaffirm India’s commitment to global standards by expanding nurse practitioner programmes and investing in leadership training. Empowering psychiatric nurses is not only about strengthening the profession—it is about saving lives and advancing universal health coverage in line with WHO’s vision."
"ISPNC 2026 highlights the vital role of psychiatric nurses in strengthening mental health care. In today’s competitive, high pressure environment, children and families face growing challenges. By expanding psychiatric nursing expertise and fostering real human communication, we can build resilience, reduce stress, and create a healthier, more supportive society aligned with global mental health priorities.", said Dr Bhavuk Garg, Professor Mental Health Division, Directorate General Health Services, MoHFW.
The conference is expected to foster innovative solutions, strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships, and contribute to policy recommendations that enhance mental health preparedness and service delivery during emergencies.