NIMHANS Bengaluru Achieves Historic Patient Footfall with Over 6.8 Lakh Visits in 2025
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru has reported an unprecedented surge in patient visits, with more than 6.8 lakh individuals seeking care in 2025. This remarkable figure represents the highest annual footfall in the institute's history, as confirmed by Director Dr. Pratima Murthy during the institution's recent day celebrations.
Record-Breaking Patient Care and Surgical Milestones
Dr. Murthy emphasized that patient care remains the primary metric for success at NIMHANS. She highlighted that the last five years have witnessed the highest patient volumes ever recorded, following a temporary dip during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Last year alone, we recorded over 6.8 lakh patient visits, which was the highest ever," she stated, underscoring the institute's growing role in India's healthcare landscape.
In addition to outpatient services, NIMHANS performed more than 8,000 neurosurgeries during 2025. Dr. Murthy noted that the institute receives referrals from diverse regions across the country, reflecting widespread trust in its neurosurgical expertise. "We got referrals from very different parts of the country, seeking out our neurosurgeons," she explained.
Expanding Infrastructure to Meet Growing Demands
To accommodate the increasing patient load, NIMHANS is undergoing significant infrastructure expansion. A new outpatient department (OPD) complex, announced in December 2025 with a budget of Rs 440 crore, is being established to handle up to 5,000 patients daily. "We're going to double our capacity going forward, and we will expand our outpatient services, provide it all under a single roof, so that the burden on patients to go from one part of the hospital to the other, in the outpatient area, is minimised," Dr. Murthy elaborated.
This expansion aims to streamline patient experiences and reduce logistical challenges within the hospital premises.
Research Excellence and Diagnostic Services
Beyond clinical care, NIMHANS has made substantial strides in research and diagnostics. The institute conducts over 20 lakh diagnostic tests annually across various specialties. Dr. Murthy remarked, "The numbers speak volumes of the trust placed in our hands and also remind us of the responsibility that comes with the trust."
In the last five years, NIMHANS secured more than 500 new funded projects and produced nearly 5,000 research publications. Dr. Murthy described this as "the highest output in the last few decades," highlighting the institute's commitment to advancing mental health and neuroscience research.
Contrast with State Healthcare Challenges
During the event, Justice BS Patil, Lokayukta of Karnataka, praised NIMHANS for its exemplary services while criticizing widespread deficiencies in other state government hospitals. He cited surprise inspections that revealed issues such as poor staff attendance, inadequate infrastructure, inefficiency, corruption, and substandard services.
Justice Patil acknowledged the immense pressure on NIMHANS due to high demand and limited resources. "I know that there is tremendous pressure on this institute. The kind of infrastructure available, the beds available — the demand is a completely disproportionate ratio. Demand is more, availability is less. Doctors are fully occupied. But still, you are able to turn out the optimum work," he observed.
He stressed the need for robust financial support to sustain such institutions, warning that "Otherwise, the infrastructure will be insufficient to meet the demands."
The achievements of NIMHANS in 2025 underscore its pivotal role in addressing India's mental health and neurosurgical needs, even as it navigates challenges of capacity and resource allocation.
