Tele-MANAS Mental Health Helpline Surpasses 18.1 Lakh Calls: Government
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Synopsis
The Tele-MANAS helpline has received over 18.1 lakh calls as part of India's tele-mental health initiative, aiming to support mental health across 36 states with services in 20 languages.
Key Takeaways
- Tele-MANAS helpline has received over 18.1 lakh calls.
- Helpline supports mental health in 36 states.
- Services provided in 20 languages.
- 53 Tele MANAS cells established.
- Government allocated significant funds for NTMHP.
New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) The Tele MANAS toll-free helpline, introduced through India’s national tele-mental health initiative, has managed to receive over 18,13,000 calls by February 2025, as reported by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, on Friday.
This toll-free line (14416) was inaugurated in 2022 to combat the escalating mental health challenges within the nation.
According to a written statement in the Lok Sabha today, Jadhav disclosed that 53 Tele MANAS cells have been established across 36 states, offering 24/7 mental health services in up to 20 languages.
As of February 3, “36 States/UTs have established 53 Tele MANAS Cells. Tele-MANAS services are accessible in 20 languages, tailored according to the preferences of the States. Over 18,13,000 calls have been managed through the helpline,” Jadhav stated.
Tele MANAS cells operate under the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP), serving as the digital extension of the District Mental Health Programme.
The government has allocated Rs. 120.98 crore, Rs. 133.73 crore, and Rs. 90.00 crore towards NTMHP for the fiscal years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25, respectively,” added the MoS.
The Tele-MANAS Mobile Application serves as a holistic platform aimed at addressing mental health issues, ranging from general well-being to severe mental disorders.
A specialized Tele-MANAS Cell has also been set up at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune to provide tele-mental health support to all Armed Forces personnel and their families.
To tackle mental health issues at the foundational level, the government has integrated mental health services into the range of offerings under Comprehensive Primary Health Care available at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
It has successfully “upgraded over 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs,” according to Jadhav.
Additionally, on Friday, the government revealed that 8.59 crore hospital admissions valued at Rs 1.19 lakh crore have been authorized under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) up to January.
