Tele MANAS [National Tele Mental Health Programme of India] Telemanas Helpline 14416

Tele MANAS [National Tele Mental Health Programme of India] Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) also called as National Tele Mental Health Programme of India. It was launched on 10 Oct 2022, on the eve of World Mental Health Day. Tele MANAS is a comprehensive mental health care service. Anyone can dial the Toll free numbers 14416 or 1800 891 4416 to get in touch with our Counsellor. 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, Government of India announced National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in the Union Budget 2022-23. Referring to the mental health related problems emerged during Covid-19 pandemic period among people, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech today announced the launch of a National Tele-Mental health programme with NIMHANS, Bangalore being its nodal centre.“The pandemic has accentuated mental health problems in people of all ages. To better the access to quality mental health counselling and care services, a ‘National Tele Mental Health Programme’ will be launched,” said the Hon’ble minister in her budget speech in Parliament.While explaining about the National Tele-mental health programme, Hon’ble minister said that this programme will include 23 tele-mental health centres of excellence. Bangalore based National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) will work as its nodal centre and International Institute of Information Technology- Bangalore (IIITB) will provide the necessary technological support, she added. Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandviya took to Twitter and thanked PM Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman for announcing this initiative. “With a network of 23 tele-mental health Centres of Excellence under NIMHANS, it will ensure quality mental health counseling for all,” Dr. Mandviya tweeted. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)will play a crucial role in implementation of Telemanas. The MoHFW formed a National Technical Advisory Group (NTAG) and three technical advisory sub-committees (Mental Health Service Delivery, Information Technology Architecture and Health Systems) to achieve specific goals and objectives of Tele MANAS. Tele MANAS will be organized as a two-tier system. Tier 1 will comprise the State Tele MANAS cells, which includes 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 eSanjeevani for audio visual consultation. 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