On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare was launched on October 10 virtually by Sh. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru.
Key points
- Government of India had announced National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in the Union Budget 2022-23.
- 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 International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIITB) providing technology support.
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bengaluru and National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHRSC) will provide the technical support.
- The Union Government aims to open at least one Tele-MANAS Cell in each State/UT.
- 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.
- Service is also accessible with 1-800-91-4416.
- The calls would be routed to Tele-MANAS cells in the respective state and union territory.
- Tele-MANAS will be organised in two tier system; Tier 1 comprises of state Tele-MANAS cells which include trained counsellors and mental health specialists.
- Tier 2 will comprise of 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 centralized 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 continuum of care.
- Specialised care is being envisioned through the programme by linking Tele-MANAS with other services like National tele-consultation service, e-Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, mental health professionals, Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centres and emergency psychiatric facilities.
- Eventually, 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 majority of States/UTs.
