A two-day ‘National Conference on Homoeopathy in Mental Health’ was organized by the National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH), Kottayam, under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), an autonomous apex research organization under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India commemorating the ‘Golden Jubilee Celebration’ of the institute on 23-24 December 2024 at NHRIMH Auditorium.
This flag-off event on 23 December 2024 was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ayush, through his video message. He commenced by congratulating the institute on the golden jubilee celebrations. He mentioned the contributions of Homoeopathy on Mental Health and appreciated the efforts of the institution about the research publications and advancements.
The theme of the conference was ‘Optimizing the Role of Homoeopathy in Promoting Mental Health’. The conference witnessed the convergence of interdisciplinary experts in mental health from premier research institutes of India, and brainstorming sessions, panel discussions, etc., were conducted to arrive at a future road map for ‘Homoeopathy in Mental Health’. This conference ultimately helped in leveraging the safe and minimal side effect medical system of Homoeopathy with the mental health intervention strategies of the nation.
Dr. Subhash Kaushik, Director General, CCRH, delivered his welcome address. He gave a concise speech about the organizational set-up of NHRIMH. He mentioned the achievements, publications, research work, patient care and post-graduate courses conducted at NHRIMH. He ended his speech by giving regard to all the delegates present on the dais, welcoming them, and giving tribute to the founder of the institute.
Sh. Kodikunnil Suresh, Member of Parliament (Mavelikkara), Kerala; Dr. Anil Khurana, Chairman, National Commission for Homoeopathy; Dr. Sangeeta Duggal, Advisor (Homoeopathy), Ministry of Ayush, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. Sh. Kodikunnil Suresh mentioned about the Government's contributions towards the facilities and growth of NHRIMH, and the release of 400 crore rupees for the construction of a new block for the hospital. He also emphasized on the need to publicize the functioning and activities of NHRIMH to the community so that more people can know about the facilities and treatments offered by the institute.
Various sessions on Homoeopathy & Mental Health were conducted. The eminent speakers such as Dr. Kishore Kumar, Professor & HOD, Dept. of Integrative Medicine, NIMHANS; Dr. Shashikant Tiwari, Chairman, Drug Proving Committee, CCRH; Dr. Shailendra K. Saxena, Vice Dean, Professor & Head, Centre for Advanced Research, King George's Medical University (KGMU); Dr. Bindu B.R., Assistant Professor, Shree Vidyadhiraja Homoeopathic Medical College; Dr. R. Bhuvaneswari, Research Officer (H), NHRIMH; Dr, Nandini Kumar, Vice President, FERCI; Dr. Sunita Nikumbh, Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, Dr. M.L. Dhawale Memorial Homoeopathic Institute, Mumbai; Dr. G. Sheeba, Chief Medical Officer, Government Homoeo Dispensary, Kulakkada; and Dr. Vinitha E.R, Research Officer (H), NHRIMH etc. delivered their lectures during the event. They spoke on topics like ‘NIMHANS Model of Integrative Medicine’, ‘Mind and Homoeopathy: An Inseparable Bond’, ‘Single Medicine Approach in Autism Spectrum Disorder - An Evidence-based Case Series’, ‘Molecular mechanism of antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity of a Belladonna-based combination therapy during Japanese Encephalitis: targeting JEV-NS3 protein and modulating host immunity’, ‘Overview of Challenges in Homoeopathy in Managing Psychiatric Patients’, ‘Ethical issues of Vulnerable population’, ‘Role of Homoeopathic Psychiatrist in expanding the scope of Homoeopathy’, ‘Sadgamaya & Seethalayam Projects - Exploring Homoeopathic approaches to address Mental Health Challenges’, and ‘Cognitive Assessment of Children with Learning Difficulty Using Artificial Intelligence-an Observational Study’.
The panel discussion on ‘Roadmap for Integrative Approaches in Mental Health’ was participated by Dr. Anil Khurana, Chairman, National Commission for Homoeopathy; Dr. Subhash Kaushik, Director General, CCRH; Dr. Shailender K. Saxena, Vice Dean, KGMU; Dr. Kishore Kumar, Professor & HOD, Dept. of Integrative Medicine, NIMHANS; and Dr. R.S. Dinesh, Psychiatrist, Government Taluk Hospital, Karunagapally.
The delegates of the conference included homoeopathic researchers, scientists from interdisciplinary streams, practitioners, students, industrialists as well as representatives of various homoeopathic associations. Case reports/ case series and dissertation competitions were also conducted during the program. The research papers were presented by various researchers/ practitioners whose abstracts had been peer-reviewed by NHRIMH.
This conference gave insights into a future roadmap to Homoeopathic integration in research, education and integrative care through deliberations of various key stakeholders.
