Govt launches 24x7 tele-mental health service in 20 states and UTs

The Union Health Ministry has launched a 24×7 tele-mental health service called Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative on World Mental Health Day. The country-wide network will provide counselling, consultation with a specialist, and e-prescriptions.

Tele-MANAS aims to increase access to mental healthcare across the country, including the inaccessible areas. The Government of India first announced the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in the Union Budget 2022-23.

The nodal centre for Tele MANAS will be National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (NIMHANS) with technological support from IIT-Bombay. There will be five regional coordination centres and 23 mentoring institutes such as various AIIMS, PGIMER, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences-Delhi.

The service can be accessed by calling the helpline number 14416 and 1-800-91-4416. Callers will first reach an IVRS and then be transferred to a trained counsellor in their areas. If needed, they will be connected online to mental health specialists such as clinical psychologists, psychiatric social workers, a psychiatric nurse, or a psychiatrist. In case if the caller needs in-person services, they will be referred to a health and wellness centre or primary health centre, or a tertiary care centre.

Tele-MANAS will be organised in a two tier system. Tier 1 comprises state Tele-MANAS cells which include trained counsellors and mental health specialists. Tier 2 will comprise specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio visual consultation. Presently there are 5 regional coordination centres along with 51 State/UT Tele MANAS cells.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted: “Good mental health with Tele MANAS! PM NarendraModi Ji’s Govt launches ‘Tele Mental Health Assistance & Networking Across States’ to provide all access to affordable mental health care in every State/UT. It will serve as the digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme.”