Sun Jan 04 13:54:54 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text followed by its rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

The Department of Psychiatry at JSS Medical College in Mysuru, India, is launching its “Psychological First Aid” program in the Kannada language on January 6, 2026. This initiative addresses the significant gap in mental health treatment in India, where a large percentage of those with mental health issues don’t receive proper care due to a lack of awareness, stigma, and shortage of professionals. The program, designed for individuals with at least a PUC qualification (equivalent to higher secondary), aims to increase awareness and provide basic mental health support. The launch event will feature prominent figures in the medical field and will take place at JSS Hospital.

News Article:

Mysuru Medical College Launches Psychological First Aid Program in Kannada Amid Mental Health Crisis

Mysuru, January 4, 2026 – The Department of Psychiatry at JSS Medical College, Mysuru, will launch its “Psychological First Aid” program in Kannada on January 6th, 2026, at JSS Hospital. The initiative aims to address the critical gap in mental health care access in India, where a significant portion of the population with mental health conditions go untreated.

According to a statement released by the department, the National Mental Health Survey (NHMS) 2015-16 revealed that 15% of India’s adult population experiences mental health issues requiring intervention. Alarmingly, 70 to 92% of these individuals do not receive proper treatment due to factors such as lack of awareness, social stigma, and a shortage of qualified mental health professionals. The department emphasizes the substantial economic losses associated with untreated mental health conditions and stresses the urgent need for public education and engagement.

The “Psychological First Aid” program, already available in other formats, will now be offered in Kannada to cater to popular demand. The online course, costing a nominal fee, makes training convenient and accessible. Individuals with a PUC qualification (higher secondary education) or higher are eligible to enroll.

The launch event at Sri Rajendra Auditorium in JSS Hospital at 2:15 p.m. on January 6th will feature Dr. C.R. Chandrashekar, Padma Shri awardee and former professor of psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru; Dr. B.N. Gangadhar, Padma Shri awardee and former chairman of the National Medical Commission; and Dr. Sunanda Kulkarni, senior professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, Chinmaya Mission Hospital, Bengaluru. These experts will interact with the public and provide insights into the importance of mental health awareness and early intervention.

For more information, contact Pradeep at 9964223388 or via email at jssmcpsychiatry@jssuni.edu.in. The program, a first of its kind at a medical college hospital in India, marks a significant step toward improving mental health support and awareness in the region.

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