Prof Savita Malhotra Pioneer in Telepsychiatry Retires From PGI

  By 121 News

Chandigarh 01^st February:- Dr Savita Malhotra was Dean, Professor and Head Department of Psychiatry, Drug De addiction and Treatment Centre, and Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research Chandigarh. She superannuated on 31^st Jan 2016 after 42 yrs of continuous uninterrupted stay in PGI. 

Yet another path breaking and pioneering research, first ever such work in the world, involves development and implementation of a knowledge based expert automated system for diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders in adults and in children and adolescents, for delivering mental health care in remote areas through non specialists. This research in telepsychiatry has potential to revolutionize the system of mental health care delivery in the country

She did MBBS from H.P. Medical College Shimla; MD in Psychiatry & PhD from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Chandigarh. She had training in child psychiatry through British Council and WHO Fellowships in the UK and USA in 1984 and 1991-1992. 

She was on the faculty of the Dept. of Psychiatry at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Educational and Research, Chandigarh since 1979 and has over 35 years of experience of working and heading the child psychiatry services and training. She has pioneered the development of child and adolescent psychiatry in PGI.

She had an illustrious academic career. She is an acclaimed physician, teacher, mentor and a researcher. She chose to stay in the country and serve despite the lure of greener pastures. She is a visionary and a leader in mental health in India and the world. She is credited with starting of two full time DM courses in PGI, namely DM in Addiction Psychiatry (first such course in India) and DM in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (second such course in India). M Phil in Clinical Psychology is going to start soon. 

As Dean of PGI she has worked towards excellence in the standards of medical education and research in PGI; facilitate starting of newer super specialty courses; setting up collaboration with other institutions increasing the prestige and foot print of PGI nationally and internationally.