Tele-MANAS initiative launched on occasion of World Mental Health Day
Oct 10, 2022
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 10 : In order to establish a new milestone in the field of mental health, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) on the occasion of World Mental Health Day was launched virtually on Monday.
Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot launched Tele-MANAS, an initiative of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, in the presence of Dr K. Sudhakar, Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education, Karnataka and Vice-President, NIMHANS.
Acknowledging the mental health crisis in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and an urgent need to establish a digital mental health network that will withstand the challenges amplified by the pandemic, the Government of India announced National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in the Union Budget 2022-23, read an official statement.
As per the official report, Tele-MANAS aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas. The programme includes a network of 23 tele-mental health centres of excellence, with NIMHANS being the nodal centre and the International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIITB) providing technical support. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bengaluru and the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHRSC) will provide technical support.
The Union Government aims to open at least one Tele-MANAS Cell in each State/UT, read the official report. 
A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number (14416) has been set up across the country allowing callers to select the language of choice for availing services. The calls would be routed to Tele-MANAS cells in the respective state and union territory.
Tele-MANAS will be organised in a two-tier system, Tier 1 will comprise state Tele-MANAS cells which include trained counsellors and mental health specialists. Whereas, 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.
The initial rollout providing basic support and counselling through a centralised Interactive Voice Response system (IVRS) is being customized for use across all States and UTs. This will not only help in providing immediate mental healthcare services but also facilitate a continuum of care.
Specialised care is being envisioned through the programme by linking Tele-MANAS with other services like National teleconsultation service, e-Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, mental health professionals, Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centres and emergency psychiatric facilities. According to the official report, this will include the entire spectrum of mental wellness and illness, and integrate all systems that provide mental health care. NIMHANS has conducted training for 900 Tele MANAS counsellors from the majority of States/UTs.
There are a number of states and UTs that will launch the programme which includes Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
