Media Release
Bengaluru, Sep 22: Karnataka Regional Mental Health Conference organised by the Archdiocese of Bangalore with the objective of creating greater awareness about mental health, reducing the stigma associated with mental health concerns, and strengthening community participation in healthcare, the Karnataka Regional Mental Health Conference 2026, organised by the Catholic Mental Health Ministry, Karnataka, was inaugurated on September 19 at Palanna Bhavan, Archbishop’s House, Bengaluru. The conference was inaugurated by Rev Joseph Susai Nathan, auxiliary bishop, archdiocese of Bangalore.
The two-day conference, being held on September 19 and 20, carries the theme 'Empower minds, break stigmas: Educate, advocate, ignite action'. In his message, Rev Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru, highlighted the importance of education, awareness, advocacy and action in addressing mental health concerns and promoting holistic well-being.
As part of the initiative to extend healthcare services closer to the community, the Health Commission of the diocese of Udupi, in collaboration with the CAD Foundation, donated two Electrocardiogram (ECG) machines to healthcare institutions. The machines were handed over by Rev Joseph Susai Nathan, auxiliary bishop, archdiocese of Bengaluru, to Sacred Heart Hospital, Kodagu, and St Joseph’s Health Centre, Theresapura, Bengaluru.
The initiative is part of Cardiology at Doorsteps (CAD), which aims to facilitate the early detection and screening of cardiovascular diseases and make cardiac healthcare services more accessible to communities in need. Under the leadership of Dr Padmanabha Kamath, founder of CAD Foundation, the initiative seeks to strengthen the vision of 'Healthy Hearts – Healthy Communities'.
The programme was attended by Hilda Cornelio, director, health commission, diocese of Udupi. Members of the health commission, Dr Ren Trevor D’Souza, Dr Rayan Mathias, and Dr Sony D’Costa, were also present.
As part of the conference, messages were delivered by several dignitaries from the religious and healthcare sectors. Dr Joseph Arumachadath, bishop of the diocese of Bhadravathi and president of the health commission, delivered his message through a pre-recorded video message presented online. In his message, he emphasised the importance of compassion in healthcare, community participation, and a holistic approach to the health and well-being of individuals.
The Karnataka Regional Mental Health Conference brought together experts working in the field of mental health, healthcare professionals, religious leaders and community representatives on a common platform, providing an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and reflection on mental health.
Mental health and physical health are closely interconnected, and both need equal attention for the overall well-being of an individual. In this context, the collaboration between the Health Commission, diocese of Udupi, and CAD Foundation represents a significant step towards strengthening community-based healthcare services.
The donation of the two ECG machines will support the early screening and detection of cardiac health conditions and help bring essential healthcare services closer to people who need them.
Such collaborations aim to build healthier and stronger communities by giving equal importance to mental as well as physical health, thereby promoting a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to community well-being.