At IHH Healthcare, we believe that mental wellness should be a daily priority. In celebration of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we are excited to renew our commitment to employee well-being with a month of impactful initiatives. 

Sparking Conversations on Mental Wellness 

Kicking things off was a panel discussion featuring Group CEO Dr Prem Kumar Nair alongside our very own mental health champions Dr Samir Parikh, Chairperson of the Fortis National Mental Health Programme; Imran Bin Ahmad, Senior Manager of Environmental Services at Mount Elizabeth Hospital; and Dr Rimi Binwani, Senior Manager of Clinical Operations at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur. 

During the session, the panellists shared personal stories and offered practical tips on breaking mental health stigma, fostering meaningful connections, and building resilience through strong support networks – not forgetting ways to maintain mental wellness whether through reading, music, exercise, or spending time with loved ones. 

Leadership's Role in Mental Wellness 

Dr Prem emphasised the importance of leadership in fostering a healthy work environment, “Leaders have the responsibility to shape a culture that values mental well-being. At IHH Healthcare, we’re committed to initiatives that encourage our teams to prioritise their mental wellness. This leads to an engaged, resilient, and productive workforce while making a lasting difference in the lives of our people.” 

Following the panel session, two insightful webinars were held. The first, “Navigating Emotions: Turning Triggers into Triumphs,” led by Clarissa Wemple, corporate trainer and consultant with Intellect explored how emotional triggers influence reactions and provided strategies for managing negative emotions, turning them into opportunities for growth. In the second webinar entitled “Finding Calm in a Busy World”, Nancy Michels, a business strategy and leadership expert from Harvard Business Publishing, offered practical strategies for managing stress and avoiding burnout, while enhancing time and relationship management skills. 

With mental health disorders becoming one of the most pressing challenges of our time, Dr Prem joined global leaders at the recent Milken Institute Asia Summit in Singapore to discuss how digital tools can help ease the growing mental health burden. “At IHH, we don’t just use technology for its own sake but to improve patient care, accessibility, and outcomes,” Dr Prem noted. 

Ongoing Support and Resources 

Beyond these discussions, IHH remains dedicated to creating a workplace culture that champions care, open dialogue, and the mental well-being of all employees. We are committed to continue these important conversations and build a culture that lasts beyond just one day through the promotion of various mental wellness resources including our Employee Assistance Programmes, ensuring that every employee feels supported and heard. 

With platforms like Doctor Anywhere, Intellect, and MyHealth360, IHH continues to blend digital tools with in-person support to create a more accessible and compassionate approach to mental health care. Together, we are steadfast in shaping a healthier tomorrow by embracing both technology and personal connection to support the mental well-being of our people.