afifa foundation works to empower people, protect the planet, build prosperity, and foster peace through Science, Technology, and Innovation.
afifa foundation works to empower people, protect the planet, build prosperity, and foster peace through Science, Technology, and Innovation.
đź’– Let's act together for lasting change.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, not just in terms of public health but also in its devastating impact on mental health. The crisis left people grappling with feelings of fear, uncertainty, and despair. Many faced the trauma of losing loved ones, endured extended periods of isolation during quarantine, or suffered significant economic setbacks. These challenges heightened the prevalence of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and harmful behaviors, creating a widespread psychological crisis.
To address these pressing issues, AIIMS Rishikesh, in collaboration with the afifa foundation, launched a groundbreaking initiative titled Relief Program for Public Mental Health and Psychological Crisis during COVID-19 Pandemic. This initiative, which began on April 26, 2020, under the leadership of Professor and Head of Trauma Center, Dr. Md. Quamar Azam, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, Prof. Ravi Gupta, and faculty member Dr. Anindya Das, aimed to provide tele-consultation services to people across India during the pandemic.
This joint initiative had a singular mission: to extend mental health support to people in need and address the widespread psychological distress caused by the pandemic. Over the course of the project, the collaborative efforts of AIIMS Rishikesh and the afifa foundation directly benefited more than 10,000 individuals nationwide. These beneficiaries represented diverse groups, including frontline workers, individuals in quarantine, economically vulnerable populations, children, and the elderly.
Under the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Government of India, the program was meticulously designed to ensure accessibility and effectiveness.
A team of the best doctors from AIIMS Rishikesh provided private, one-on-one tele-consultations to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress. This service ensured that those in critical need could receive expert care from the comfort of their homes.
Recognizing the importance of educating the masses, the team released public advisories addressing various mental health challenges during the pandemic. These advisories were supplemented with recorded awareness videos, which were made accessible to the public on the afifa foundation’s website (www.afifafoundation.org/teleconsultation).
The program was supported by the creation of detailed guidelines, notes, policies, and advisories. These resources outlined the impact of the crisis on mental health and proposed actionable strategies for relief.
Around a dozen doctors worked tirelessly to address the mental health needs of individuals, ensuring that even the most remote communities could access support.
The program paid particular attention to vulnerable groups most affected by the pandemic:
The sudden closure of schools and disruption of routines left children anxious, fearful, and withdrawn. The program emphasized helping parents manage their own stress, providing children with love, structure, and creative outlets to express themselves.
Older adults, already at higher risk of COVID-19 complications, faced heightened fear and anxiety. For those with cognitive decline or dementia, the psychological toll was even more severe. The program offered strategies for maintaining mental well-being, including encouraging social connections through digital methods.
Healthcare professionals and other essential workers bore the brunt of the crisis, often working in high-stress environments while fearing for their own safety. Tele-consultation services provided them with an outlet to manage stress and anxiety effectively.
The success of this initiative can be measured by the sheer number of lives it touched. Over 10,000 individuals received mental health support, with many reporting significant improvements in their psychological well-being. The program not only alleviated immediate mental health challenges but also helped build resilience in people to face future crises.
The collaborative effort also served as a model for digital mental health interventions during public health emergencies, demonstrating the potential of telemedicine in overcoming geographical barriers and ensuring widespread access to care.
The Relief Program for Public Mental Health and Psychological Crisis was not just a response to a global emergency but a testament to what collaboration and innovation can achieve during challenging times. By combining the medical expertise of AIIMS Rishikesh with the grassroots outreach of the afifa foundation, this initiative became a lifeline for thousands of people across India.
As we look back at the lessons learned from this project, it reminds us of the importance of prioritizing mental health in public health strategies. The efforts of AIIMS Rishikesh and the afifa foundation will continue to inspire future initiatives, ensuring that no one is left behind in times of crisis.
