Kolkata, July 29, 2025: In a landmark step towards advancing mental health education in Eastern India, Axis Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Antara Psychiatric Hospital to establish the Axis Bank Antara Institute of Health Sciences in Kolkata.The institute is set to become one of Eastern India’s first dedicated educational centres focused solely on mental health. It will offer accredited programs in psychiatry, psychology, nursing, social work, and counselling fields that are rapidly gaining importance in the country’s evolving healthcare landscape.
The MoU was signed at Axis House, Worli, in the presence of key dignitaries including Mr. Amitabh Chaudhry, MD & CEO, Axis Bank; Mr. Vijay Mulbagal, Group Executive & Head – Wholesale Bank Coverage & Sustainability, Axis Bank; Mr. Kamal Prakash, President, Antara; and Dr. Matthew P. John, Hon. General Secretary, Antara.
This collaboration comes on the heels of Antara becoming the first hospital in West Bengal to receive DNB (Psychiatry) accreditation from the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences in May 2025. The institute will begin rolling out academic programs from 2026 in phases, with an aim to enrol over 200 students annually by 2028.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vijay Mulbagal said, “Axis Bank is honoured to partner with Antara in establishing a world-class institution dedicated to training future professionals and promoting equitable mental health care access. This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusive growth and a compassionate India.”
Dr. Matthew P. John echoed the sentiment, stating, “This partnership is a game-changer for mental health education in India. It addresses a vital gap in the healthcare ecosystem by nurturing professionals equipped to build a mentally resilient society.”
The Axis Bank Antara Institute of Health Sciences is poised to be a significant milestone in India’s mental healthcare journey—strengthening academic capacity and deepening awareness around mental well-being for generations to come.
