Professor of Psychiatry
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Dr. Rajesh Sagar is widely recognized as a pioneer in addressing mental health issues among medical students and healthcare professionals in India. As the Coordinator of the Student Wellness Programme at AIIMS, he has developed comprehensive support systems that have become models for medical institutions across the country.
His groundbreaking work in this area has led to the establishment of dedicated mental health services for medical students, recognition of burnout and stress-related disorders among healthcare professionals, and development of preventive mental health strategies in medical education settings.
Dr. Sagar has been at the forefront of suicide prevention research and intervention in India. His extensive research on the epidemiology of suicide, risk factors, and protective factors has contributed significantly to understanding suicide patterns in the Indian population.
He has been instrumental in developing evidence-based suicide prevention strategies and has worked closely with government agencies and NGOs to implement national suicide prevention programs. His work has helped reduce stigma associated with suicide and improved access to mental health services for at-risk populations.
With over three decades of experience in psychiatry, Dr. Sagar has made substantial contributions to psychiatric research, particularly in the areas of mood disorders, adolescent mental health, and community psychiatry. His research focuses on developing culturally appropriate interventions for mental health problems in the Indian context.
He has been involved in numerous national and international collaborative research projects, contributing to the global understanding of mental health issues in developing countries. His work bridges the gap between academic research and practical clinical applications.
Dr. Sagar has extensive international experience and has collaborated with leading institutions worldwide. His fellowship and training experiences at University of Pittsburgh and Johns Hopkins University have enriched his research perspective and clinical expertise.
He continues to maintain active collaborations with international research groups working on suicide prevention, youth mental health, and global mental health initiatives. His work has been recognized by international organizations including WHO and World Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Sagar has been actively involved in mental health policy development and advocacy at national and state levels. He has contributed to the formulation of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 and has been instrumental in developing guidelines for mental health services in educational institutions.
His advocacy work extends to reducing stigma associated with mental illness, improving access to mental health services, and integrating mental health into primary healthcare systems. He regularly contributes to media discussions on mental health issues and public awareness campaigns.
Dr. Sagar is currently leading several research initiatives focused on digital mental health interventions, effectiveness of peer support programs in medical education, and development of culturally adapted psychotherapy models for Indian populations.
His recent work involves large-scale epidemiological studies on mental health in young adults, evaluation of community-based mental health programs, and research on the mental health impact of social media and technology use among adolescents and young adults.
Urgent support
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