In a major boost to mental healthcare, NIMHANS and the Karnataka government are expanding Project USHAS to 37 government hospitals, providing critical psychosocial support to suicide attempt survivors.
- Project USHAS will now span across all 31 district hospitals and 6 key government hospitals in Bengaluru.
- Survivors of self-harm will receive structured psychosocial care and follow-ups for up to 12 months.
- The program has already registered 35,436 self-harm cases since 2022, showing a significant reduction in re-attempt rates.
On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), in collaboration with the State Government and Himalaya Wellness Company, announced the statewide expansion of Project USHAS (Urban Self-Harm Study). The initiative, which previously operated in 16 hospitals across 10 districts, will now be implemented in 37 government hospitals across Karnataka.
The primary objective of this expansion is to create a structured post-attempt care pathway. In most emergency departments, survivors of suicide attempts are treated for their physical injuries, but the underlying psychological trauma often goes unaddressed. Project USHAS ensures that psychosocial assessments, counseling, and safety planning are integrated into the immediate medical response.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the scaling of Project USHAS represents a shift toward a proactive, data-driven mental health strategy. By integrating clinical psychologists and psychiatric social workers into the general hospital network, the government is effectively decentralizing specialized mental health care. This model of "follow-up care" is critical because the period immediately following a suicide attempt is the highest-risk window for recidivism.
"Integrating mental health professionals into emergency care is not an option but a necessity to reduce the global burden of suicide."
The efficacy of the program is backed by compelling data. Since 2022, 26,385 survivors received structured interventions, and the results were striking: only 1.3% re-attempted suicide and only 0.3% died by suicide among those treated. This underscores the life-saving potential of structured psychosocial support.
Under the new expanded framework, patients will undergo 45- to 75-minute hospital-based interventions. A key component is the involvement of families in safety planning, ensuring that the survivor returns to a supportive environment. Additionally, a dedicated helpline will be operational to provide continuous support, and the data collected will be used to potentially replicate the model in other Indian states.
| Feature | Previous Scope | Expanded Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Hospitals | 16 Hospitals | 37 Hospitals |
| Geographic Reach | 10 Districts | All 31 Districts + 6 Bengaluru Hospitals |
| Support Duration | Limited | 12-Month Scheduled Follow-up |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What exactly is Project USHAS?
A: It is a structured program designed to provide psychosocial care, risk assessment, and long-term follow-up for individuals who have survived suicide attempts or self-harm.
Q2: How does the program involve the family?
A: Family members are integrated into the 'safety planning' process, as a supportive home environment is crucial for preventing future attempts.