Sharda University successfully hosted the 4th International and 25th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Psychiatric Nurses (ISPN) from February 23 to 25 at its Greater Noida campus. Held under the theme “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes & Emergencies – Empowering Nurses,” the three-day conference brought together distinguished national and international experts, including representatives from NIMHANS, AIIMS, and IHBAS, along with leading psychiatric nurses, mental health professionals, academicians, researchers, policymakers, and healthcare administrators from India and abroad.
The conference focused on innovative solutions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy recommendations to strengthen mental health preparedness and service delivery during emergencies. With the increasing frequency of natural disasters, humanitarian crises, pandemics, and other large-scale emergencies, the theme underscored the urgent need to ensure equitable access to mental health services and to reinforce the role of psychiatric and mental health nurses as frontline responders.
This landmark gathering marked a significant milestone in advancing psychiatric and mental health nursing practice in India and globally. Discussions centered on bridging service gaps during crises, integrating mental health into disaster response frameworks, and equipping psychiatric nurses with advanced competencies to respond effectively in emergency settings.
The conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. T. Dileep Kumar, Patron of ISPN and President of the Indian Nursing Council, along with Dr. Bhavuk Garg, Professor, Mental Health Division, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. They were joined by Mr. Y.K. Gupta, Pro-Chancellor of Sharda University, and Dr. R. Sreeraja Kumar, Associate Dean and Professor, Sharda School of Nursing Science & Research.
Notable speakers included Dr. Radhakrishnan G. (NIMHANS, Bengaluru), Dr. Rajesh Sagar (AIIMS), Dr. Sujata Satapathy (AIIMS), Dr. Sandhya Gupta (NHRC, Government of India), Col. Keka Chatterjee (Military Nursing Service, Army Hospital), and Dr. G. Balamurugan (Tele-MANAS, NIMHANS, Bengaluru). The conference aligned with India’s Digital Mental Health Mission and served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, skill enhancement, and global collaboration.
Dr. T. Dileep Kumar remarked, “ISPNC 2026 is more than a conference—it is a movement to place mental health care at the center of disaster response. By equipping psychiatric nurses with advanced skills, global insights, and leadership opportunities, we are shaping a healthcare system that is resilient, inclusive, and prepared for every emergency. Psychiatric nursing is central to preventive and promotive healthcare, and at ISPN 2026 we reaffirm India’s commitment to global standards by expanding nurse practitioner programs and investing in leadership training. Empowering psychiatric nurses is not only about strengthening the profession—it is about saving lives and advancing universal health coverage in line with WHO’s vision.”
Dr. Bhavuk Garg added, “ISPNC 2026 highlights the vital role of psychiatric nurses in strengthening mental health care. In today’s competitive, high-pressure environment, children and families face growing challenges. By expanding psychiatric nursing expertise and fostering meaningful human communication, we can build resilience, reduce stress, and create a healthier, more supportive society aligned with global mental health priorities.”
The conference reaffirmed the critical role of psychiatric nurses in advancing mental health services and emphasized the importance of preparedness, leadership, and innovation in responding to future emergencies.
