Surgeon General Vivek Murthy Focuses On Mental Health In India Tour

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy visited Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10. His week long trip focused on addressing the global mental health and loneliness crisis. Murthy, whose parents are from Karnataka, emphasized the strong Indo-U.S. health partnership, stating, “Our nations have shared needs and opportunities for learning in mental health.”

Murthy praised India’s efforts to combat the stigma around mental health and highlighted the importance of increasing access to care. He met with organizations and youth, discussing loneliness and mental health challenges, including at the Mariwala Health Initiative, Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School, and IIT Bombay, where he had an inspiring conversation with mental health advocate Ira Khan.

Murthy thanked Ira and her father Amir Khan, “for sharing your mental health journey as father and daughter with such authenticity and vulnerability. I absolutely loved our conversation, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

Murthy also visited the Sri Jayadeva Institute to observe Noora Health’s caregiving model, which addresses social isolation through family-centered care. Reflecting on his visit, Murthy expressed gratitude for the chance to return to the land of his ancestors, acknowledging the values of community and service that his parents instilled in him.

U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti praised Murthy’s efforts, noting the U.S. Government’s commitment to advancing U.S.-India collaboration on mental health.