Kolkata, July 29th, 2025: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Antara Psychiatric Hospital to establish the Axis Bank Antara Institute of Health Sciences at Kolkata. This pioneering educational facility will exclusively focus on mental health, offering accredited programs in psychiatry, psychology, nursing, social work, and counselling.
The MoU was signed at Axis House, Worli, in the presence of 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.
Axis Bank – Antara Institute of Health Sciences will be one of the first and largest facilities in Eastern India focused exclusively on mental health. In May 2025, Antara became the first hospital in West Bengal accredited for the DNB (Psychiatry) program by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences. The institute aims to launch its academic programs in phases from 2026 onwards and enrol 200 students annually by 2028.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Vijay Mulbagal, Group Executive & Head – Wholesale Bank Coverage & Sustainability, Axis Bank, said, “Axis Bank is honoured to partner with Antara in establishing a world-class institution that is dedicated to training future professionals, promoting equitable access to mental health care services, and elevating the discourse around mental health in India. This program is a testament to our commitment to inclusive growth, where mental wellness becomes a shared priority for a resilient and compassionate India.”
Dr. Matthew P. John, Hon. General Secretary, Antara, added, “This partnership marks a transformative moment for mental health education in India. By establishing a dedicated institution for training professionals in psychiatry, psychology, nursing, social work, and counselling, it addresses a long-standing gap in the healthcare ecosystem necessary for a resilient society.”
