Dr Murthy is a senior profesor of psychiatry, serving as Director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), an institute of National Importance in India. She has contributed to the growth of mental health, neuroscience and substance use and addiction prevention and management. She has been on WHO expert groups for the mHGAP, served as an NTAG member for integrating MNS (mental, neurological and substance use conditions). She has extensive clinical, training, research and policy experience both as a psychiatrist and administrator.