Delhi on Saturday inaugurated its first dedicated Brain Health Clinic at Indira Gandhi Hospital in Dwarka, marking a major step toward strengthening neurological and mental health care in the capital. Health Minister Pankaj Singh announced the launch on social media, stating that the government plans to open similar clinics across all 11 districts within the next year to ensure wider access to timely diagnosis and treatment of brain-related conditions.
"The objective of this department is to provide timely diagnosis and treatment for mental and neurological health-related issues," Singh said in a post on X. "This initiative is not only technologically advanced but also a symbol of our awareness and commitment to mental health."
The clinic has been established under the Brain Health Initiative, with support from NITI Aayog and implementation by the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS). It aims to provide comprehensive screening, therapy, and counselling for a range of neurological disorders, including stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and migraine. The clinic will also offer tele-neurology follow-up services to ensure ongoing patient support.
Neurological disorders have become the second leading cause of death globally and are the primary cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), underscoring the urgent need for early intervention and accessible care.
The clinic in Dwarka is envisioned as a model facility, blending clinical treatment with lifestyle counselling and caregiver support. It represents a key component of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s vision for a "future-ready" healthcare system in Delhi.
IHBAS will take the lead in training medical personnel and monitoring the clinic's outcomes. The initiative is guided by the recommendations of the National Task Force on Brain Health, chaired by IHBAS Director Dr. Rajinder Kumar Dhamija, and supported by NITI Aayog. This model is expected to shape the rollout of similar brain health clinics throughout the city in the coming months.