Department of Psychiatry

Mental Health Camp Held at RHTC, Jawan During World Mental Health Week

October 07, 2025 – In observance of World Mental Health Week, a impactful Mental Health Camp was organized at the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Jawan, under the joint auspices of the Departments of Psychiatry and Community Medicine. The initiative focused on raising awareness about mental health and delivering vital consultations and psychosocial support to the local community.

The camp was spearheaded by a dedicated team of experts, including Dr. Jitendra, Dr. Asif Seraj, Dr. Ayush, and Mr. Manawar from the Department of Psychiatry, who provided professional consultations and psychosocial support to attendees. Dr. Tabassum Nawab, Incharge of RHTC, played a crucial role in organizing the camp and promoting mental health awareness within the community.

The Department of Psychiatry also distributed free medicines to attendees, ensuring accessible care for all. The event highlighted the critical need for ongoing mental health awareness and efforts to destigmatize mental health issues in society.

Guided by Dr. M. Reyazuddin, Chairperson of the Department of Psychiatry, and Dr. Uzma Eram, Chairperson of the Department of Community Medicine, the camp achieved significant success in addressing mental health challenges and fostering well-being in rural areas. Both leaders praised the initiative for its meaningful contribution to mental health advocacy.

On August 20, 2025, the Department of Psychiatry, JNMCH, Aligarh Muslim University, inaugurated a new Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) supported by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment under NAPDDR. The center offers comprehensive de-addiction services including OPD, IPD care, free medications (focused on alcohol and opioid disorders), counseling, and rehabilitation.

The event was graced by Prof. Mohammad Habib Raza (Chief Guest), Prof. Syed Amjad Ali Rizvi (Guest of Honor), with a welcome by Dr. Mohammed Reyazuddin and presentations by Dr. Faisal Shaan. Newly appointed staff—five nurses, two counsellors, and one data manager—were felicitated.

The ATF operates at OPD 8 from 8 AM to 3 PM, aiming to provide accessible, evidence-based addiction care in line with AMU’s healthcare and community service mission.

Workshop on Demystifying Gender and Transgender Healthcare

The Department of Psychiatry, in collaboration with the National Centre of Excellence for Gender Affirmative Care and Transgender Health, AIIMS, New Delhi, organized a sensitization workshop on "Demystifying Gender and Transgender Healthcare".

Keynote Speakers

The workshop featured a distinguished lecture by Dr. Micol Rothman, Professor of Endocrinology and Medical Director of the UCHealth Integrated Transgender Program, University of Colorado.

Dr. Bela Sharma, Medical Director of ATHI (Association of transgender health in India), provided an overview of transgender healthcare in India.

Attendees

The workshop was attended by esteemed guests, including the Dean, Principal, Chairman, faculty members, and postgraduate students from various departments.

Objectives

The workshop aimed to promote awareness and understanding of gender and transgender healthcare, fostering a sensitive and inclusive environment for individuals of diverse gender identities.

World Alzheimer’s Day . Dr.Mohammed Reyazuddin, Chairperson Department of Psychiatry inaugurated the event and emphasized on the preventive strategies and early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. He said Alzheimer’s is one of the cause of Dementia and we can only delay the onset of Dementia but can’t prevent it by adopting different strategies.

Dr  Akanksha Senior Resident give a talk on the pathophysiology and prevention of Dementia she said by adopting various strategies like Aerobic exercise, balanced diet, engage in reading and writing, speaking multiple language, treatment of Co morbidities like HTN, T₂
DM obesity can help Dr. Shailja, Seminar Resident hosted the programme.

Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Assistant Professor in Department of Psychiatry in collaboration with Nursing College organized an awareness campaign in OPD block of J.N Medical College. Different Faculty members, Nursing students, PG Students, Ph.D students attended the event. Dr. Deoshree Akhouri associate Professor, also gave her valuable insight on this day.

Regards

Aligarh, December 23: The Department of Psychiatry, JN Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) organised the best thesis protocol competition for postgraduate students. The event showcased outstanding academic contributions and celebrated excellence in research.

Dr. Pragna Roy received the first prize for her thesis protocol titled “Comparative study for efficacy of L-Carnitine and N-Acetyl Cysteine on Iron overload induced oxidative stress in patients with Thalassemia: A randomized control trial”. The second prize went to Dr. Shazia Nahid for her thesis protocol titled “Comparative Evaluation of Anticariogenic Property and Staining Potential of Selenium Nanoparticles Infused Hydroxyapatite and Silver Diamine Fluoride: An In Vitro Study”.

The third prize was shared by Dr. Amrita Pandey and Dr. Neha Dhanda. Dr. Amrita Pandey’s thesis protocol was “A clinical study to evaluate the effectiveness of multi-genetic pharmacogenomics-guided treatment in drug naïve schizophrenics in northern Indian population: An Open-label, randomized controlled trial”, while Dr. Neha Dhanda presented her thesis protocol on “Efficacy and safety of repeated oral ketamine in treatment resistant depression”.

The panel of judges consisted of Dr. Shahul Ameen, Consultant Psychiatrist, St. Thomas Hospital, Kerala, Dr. Mohammed Reyazuddin, Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, AMU and Dr. Nafiz Faizi, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, JNMC, AMU.

Dr. Faisal Shaan was the organizing secretary of the event.

Mementos, certificates and cash prizes were distributed to the winners in a programme hosted by Dr. Shailja Singh.