Puducherry: The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) has launched a dedicated mental health initiative — the J-CARES (JIPMER Centre for Counseling, Assistance, Resilience, and Empowerment of Students) Cell — aimed at promoting the emotional well-being and resilience of its students.

The new centre will cater to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering counselling services through trained counsellors and a peer-support system. The initiative comes in the backdrop of a growing national focus on student mental health, following the Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force to address such concerns.

JIPMER Director Dr. Vir Singh Negi said the idea for J-CARES was inspired by a model he implemented earlier at AIIMS Bilaspur. The Cell will operate under the supervision of the Academic Section, with a core faculty group and trained “gatekeeper” members from various departments overseeing its functioning.

Students can access support through multiple channels — including email, online forms, dropboxes, faculty mentors, and a 24x7 helpline. The Cell will also conduct mental health promotion activities throughout the year. Dr. Negi said JIPMER remains committed to fostering a healthy, inclusive, and supportive campus environment.