NIMHANS, Bengaluru: OPD Appointment, Registration, and Costs

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a multidisciplinary institute for patient care and academic pursuit in the field of mental health and neurosciences. Recognized as an 'Institute of National Importance', it operates autonomously under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Located on Hosur Road, NIMHANS provides services in psychiatry, neurology, neurosurgery, and related disciplines. The NABH-accredited hospital has a capacity of 1,096 beds and is a major centre for treatment, training, and research in its field.

This guide provides information on how to get an appointment, details on consultation fees, and the financial assistance schemes available for patients at NIMHANS.

NIMHANS OPD Registration and Consultation Fees

These are one-time registration charges for new patients. NIMHANS provides exemptions from hospital levy charges for patients who are Below Poverty Line (BPL) or identified as indigent. Payment counters in the main OPD are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on working days. Charges for specific tests, procedures, and admission are separate and can be confirmed at the hospital.

• New Patient Registration Fee — ₹100
• Screening Slip (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services) — ₹20

Rates shown are as per the NIMHANS official website (2024) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

How to get an appointment

NIMHANS offers several ways for patients to get a consultation at its Outpatient Department (OPD). Patients can choose the method that is most convenient for them.

**Online Registration:** New patients can pre-register for an appointment through the national Online Registration System (ORS) portal at ors.gov.in. After booking online, patients must report to a designated counter at the hospital to validate their registration and complete the process before proceeding for consultation.

**Walk-in Registration:** Patients can directly visit the hospital for a consultation. New patients need to go to the Screening block of the Outpatient Department to register. The registration counters for new patients are open from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, Monday to Saturday. Follow-up patients can register between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

**Referral Patients:** If you have been referred to NIMHANS by another doctor or hospital, you should bring the referral letter with you. Present this letter at the referral counter to obtain a screening slip for your consultation.

**Tele-MANAS:** For initial mental health support, individuals can contact the government's 24/7 Tele-MANAS helpline. NIMHANS is the national coordinating centre for this service, which provides free tele-counseling and can guide individuals on further steps, including referrals to appropriate centres if needed.

How long it takes to get seen

As a prominent national institute, NIMHANS attends to a large volume of patients daily. The waiting time for a consultation can vary based on several factors, including the specific department, the number of patients on a particular day, and whether you are a new or follow-up case.

For walk-in patients, arriving early in the morning, close to the opening of the registration counters at 8:00 AM, may help in getting through the initial registration process sooner. Patients who have booked an appointment online must still visit the hospital for validation, so it is advisable to factor in time for this step.

The institute operates a screening system for new patients to direct them to the appropriate specialty. Waiting times may differ between general consultations and specialty clinics. Patients are advised to be prepared for potential waits and to follow the instructions provided by the hospital staff upon arrival.

What treatment costs and financial help

The initial cost for a new patient at NIMHANS is a one-time registration fee of ₹100. For the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry department, the screening slip costs ₹20. The institute has provisions to assist patients from economically weaker sections. Patients holding a Below Poverty Line (BPL) card or those identified as indigent are exempted from hospital levy charges.

NIMHANS, being a central government institute, accepts several government health insurance and welfare schemes to facilitate cashless or subsidised treatment for eligible beneficiaries. Key schemes accepted include:

**Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):** Eligible beneficiaries from across the country can avail benefits under this national health insurance scheme.

**Ayushman Bharat - Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK):** This scheme is an integration of the national PM-JAY with the state's health scheme, providing coverage to eligible residents of Karnataka.

**Jyothi Sanjeevini Scheme:** This scheme is for Karnataka state government employees.

**Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS):** Pensioners and other eligible beneficiaries under CGHS can receive services at NIMHANS.

Patients intending to use any of these schemes should carry the required documentation, such as their scheme card and identity proof, and inquire at the designated scheme counters at the hospital for procedural details.

Key departments

NIMHANS is a comprehensive centre for mental health and neurosciences, housing a wide range of clinical and basic science departments. The institute provides services through its main departments as well as numerous specialty clinics and centres.

Major clinical departments include:

The hospital also runs dedicated specialty clinics for conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), epilepsy, movement disorders, headaches, and stroke. Specialised centres like the Centre for Addiction Medicine, NIMHANS Centre for Well Being, and the Advanced Centre for Ayurveda in Mental Health and Neurosciences offer targeted care and services. For critical cases, the hospital is equipped with 24/7 emergency and neurosurgical units to manage conditions like severe head injuries.

• Psychiatry
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical Care
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Speech Pathology & Audiology
• Transfusion Medicine & Haematology

More government hospitals in Karnataka

OPD appointment guides for other government hospitals in Karnataka:

• Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru: OPD Appointment, Fees, and Schemes
• BMCRI, Bangalore: OPD Appointment, Fees, and Schemes
• Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru: Appointment and Cost Guide
• KIMS Hubli: Appointment, OPD Registration, and Fees
• Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (K.R. Hospital), Mysuru: OPD, Appointments, and Costs
• All government hospital OPD guides in Bengaluru
• All government hospital OPD guides in Karnataka

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the OPD registration timings for new patients at NIMHANS?

The registration counters for new, walk-in patients are open from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, from Monday to Saturday.

Can I book an appointment at NIMHANS online?

Yes, new patients can book an appointment online through the ORS portal (ors.gov.in). However, you must report to a specific counter at the hospital to validate the appointment before the consultation.

How much is the registration fee at NIMHANS?

The one-time registration fee for a new patient is ₹100. For the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services, the screening slip costs ₹20.

Does NIMHANS accept the Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) scheme?

Yes, NIMHANS accepts the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). It is also empanelled under the state's Ayushman Bharat - Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) scheme.

Is there any financial assistance for poor patients at NIMHANS?

Yes, NIMHANS provides an exemption from hospital levy charges for patients with a Below Poverty Line (BPL) card and for those identified as indigent.

What should I do in case of a psychiatric or neurological emergency?

NIMHANS has 24/7 emergency and neurosurgical units to handle critical cases. You can visit the hospital directly at Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560029.

Related

• How to find an Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) hospital near you
• Government health schemes in India: a guide
• How to apply for a CGHS card

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.