Blog Post

Mental health among students has become a critical global issue. Pressure from exams, financial stress, social isolation, and the stigma around mental health keep many from reaching out for help. In response, India’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has launched Never Alone, an innovative AI‑powered mental health and wellness programme aimed specifically at students. The goal: early detection, timely intervention, reduced stigma, and ongoing care—all in an affordable, accessible format. [India Today]

What is “Never Alone”?

Never Alone is a dedicated digital programme, backed by AI, launched by AIIMS Delhi (with rollout also in AIIMS Bhubaneswar and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, IHBAS Shahdara). It provides:

• 24/7 screening, intervention, and follow-up care for students. [The Times of India]
  
  
• A secure, web‑based platform accessible via WhatsApp (and by QR code etc.), for both virtual and offline consultations.
  
  
• Personalised, secure mental health screening at a very low cost: 70 paise (~INR 0.70) per student per day for institutions with ~5,000 students. For all AIIMS institutions, this service is free.
  
  
• Integration with trained human faculties: counsellors, psychiatrists, student volunteers (“well‑being partners”) to combine human insight and AI. [The New Indian]
  
  

Why It Matters: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among Students

Some of the pressing reasons this programme is timely:

• High suicide rates among youth: In 2022, more than 1.7 lakh (170,000+) suicides in India—young adults aged 18–30 making up ~35% of those.
  
  
• Treatment gap & stigma: 70‑80% of those with mental health issues don’t seek help because of stigma, lack of awareness, or inaccessible services—even when resources exist.
  
  
• Impulsive crises: Not all suicides are premeditated—many happen during crises triggered by financial stress, relationship problems, illness, social isolation. Early detection and easy access can help abort these tragic outcomes.
  
  

Challenges & Considerations

While this is a promising initiative, there are some areas that need ongoing attention:

1. Data privacy & security: Handling mental health data in any digital platform, especially via WhatsApp and web, requires robust safeguards. Ensuring confidentiality is critical to build trust.
   
   
2. Cultural stigma and norms: Even with tech access, many students may hesitate to reach out due to social stigma; awareness campaigns and safe environments are needed.
   
   
3. Quality of AI screeners: AI models must be validated, regularly updated, and transparent in how they make risk‑assessments to avoid false positives/negatives.
   
   
4. Scaling to non‑AIIMS/ smaller colleges: While the cost is low, subscription and institutional buy‑in might take time. Ensuring rural and small institutions aren’t left behind is vital.
   
   
5. Sustainability: Funding, trained staff, and continuous maintenance of the platform will need long‑term commitment from government, institutions, NGOs, or private partners.
   
   

Implications for Global Health & Similar Contexts (e.g. Global South)

This kind of programme has lessons for other countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America:

• AI + digital tools offer scalability: useful in areas with few mental health professionals.
  
  
• Low‑cost subscription models make interventions affordable even when budgets are tight.
  
  
• Peer networks and training of local volunteers help build capacity and reduce stigma.
  
  
• Blended service (virtual + offline) ensures inclusivity for students with limited internet access or in rural settings.
  
  

Conclusion

AIIMS’ Never Alone represents a promising milestone in how technology, mental health care, and student well‑being can intersect to produce accessible, scalable, and affordable care. Its combination of AI screening, human intervention, peer support, and focus on stigma reduction provides a potential model for many similar settings across the Global South. For it to succeed, continued investment in quality, privacy, awareness, and equitable access will be key.