Overview

Dr. K. Ramakrishnan, is a distinguished psychiatrist with a career spanning over three decades. As the Chief Psychiatrist, Managing Director, and CEO of Athma Hospitals and Research, he has been instrumental in shaping mental health services in the region. Under his leadership, Athma Hospitals has grown from a modest 3-bed facility to a comprehensive 300-bed institution with four units across three cities and an online presence. This growth is a testament to his strategic vision and exceptional management skills. His plans to expand nationwide further underscore his impact in the field.

Dr. Ramakrishnan’s unwavering commitment to mental health is demonstrated through his various roles. As the Chairman of Athma Special School, he has overseen the development of innovative educational programs for children with mental health issues. As the Executive Secretary of Shanthivanam Home for the Homeless and Mentally Ill, he has spearheaded initiatives to provide comprehensive care for the most vulnerable populations. Dr. Ramakrishnan also serves as an advisor to the Indian Red Cross Society in Trichy, providing strategic guidance on mental health initiatives, and is the editor of ‘Athmas Mind,’ a monthly magazine dedicated to mental health awareness.

Dr. Ramakrishnan’s expertise is highly regarded by the Indian Psychiatric Society, where he has held several key positions. His roles as the Advisor for the Private Psychiatry Unit (2023-2024), Chairman of the Tribunal Committee for the South Zonal Branch, and Advisor for the Publication Committee of the South Zonal Branch, as well as his presidency of the South Zonal Branch in 2021 and the Tamilnadu State Branch in 2016, underscore his significant leadership and influence in the field.

A graduate of Thanjavur Medical College, University of Madras (1987), Dr. Ramakrishnan completed his DPM in 1992 from the Institute of Psychiatry, Madurai. His professional engagements include advisory roles for the District Mental Health Committee, where he provides strategic policy development and implementation guidance.

He consults for prisons and juvenile homes, advises on mental health care for inmates, and serves as a resource person for the District Mental Health Program, where he shares his expertise in mental health awareness and education. He provides consulting services to over 38 NGOs working in mental health, orphanages, and with mentally and physically challenged individuals.

An accomplished author, Dr. Ramakrishnan has penned several significant works, including “Oh mind! Can I know you!!” a handbook on mental health and disorders in Tamil, “Simplified Psychiatry,” a handbook for medical and paramedical students, and contributes regularly to “Athmas Mind.”

Dr. Ramakrishnan’s exemplary service has been recognized with numerous awards, a testament to his significant contributions to the field of mental health. These awards, such as the Samooha Seva Mani Award, Excellence Award by Times of India, Dr. V.K.R. Award, Heroes of Rehabilitation Award, Dr. M.S. Ashraf Doctor’s Day Award, Fr. Triest Award, Best Doctor Award, Acharya Award, Times Health Excellence Award 2023, Award of Excellence, and honors from the American Association for Social Advancement in India (AASAI), Boston, USA.