Fortis Healthcare has taken a bold step towards addressing mental health issues in India by launching an artificial intelligence-empowered application designed to offer comprehensive care. The new initiative, named ‘Adayu Mindfulness,’ aims to integrate AI technology to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services.
Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, Managing Director and CEO of Fortis Healthcare, described the launch as a significant step towards destigmatising mental health and bringing comprehensive care to those who need it. “Fortis Healthcare is committed to integrating mental health into mainstream healthcare, a vision we have been cultivating for over a decade. This new initiative not only emphasises our commitment to addressing the pervasive challenge of mental health but also showcases our innovative approach by integrating AI technology through our partnership with ‘United We Care’,” he said.
With Adayu Mindfulness, Fortis Healthcare hopes to address India’s mental health crisis by providing an easy-to-use platform that connects users with trained professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psycho-oncologists, and various therapy providers. The platform’s AI-powered self-assessment tool, Stella, offers personalized assessments to help users gain insights into their mental health status. By integrating technology with clinical excellence, Fortis aims to reduce wait times and overcome geographical barriers to mental health care.
Dr. Samir Parikh, Consultant Psychiatrist and Chairperson of the Fortis National Mental Health Program, highlighted the importance of such an initiative in India, where mental health is often stigmatized, and access to experts is limited. “India’s mental health burden is estimated at USD 2-3 billion, with about 1 in every 8 people estimated to be suffering from a mental health disorder in some form,” he said. The launch of Adayu is part of Fortis’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and improve access to mental health care.
The application allows users to connect with a wide range of experts, including sports therapists, yoga experts, and art-based therapy providers, offering holistic solutions to mental health challenges. The partnership with ‘United We Care’ demonstrates Fortis Healthcare’s commitment to using technology to bridge the gap between those in need and mental health professionals.
Overall, Fortis Healthcare’s Adayu Mindfulness represents a promising development in India’s fight against mental health stigma and limited access to care. By leveraging AI technology, the platform seeks to create a supportive environment for those struggling with mental health issues, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals across the country.
