New Delhi: The National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP), launched by the Indian government on October 10, 2022, has completed two years, significantly enhancing the country’s mental healthcare system. A key component of this initiative is Tele MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States), a toll-free helpline (14416) that provides a range of mental health services to people across the nation. The platform offers counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatric consultations, and referrals, ensuring access to care regardless of geographical or financial barriers.

Tele MANAS has become a vital tool for delivering mental health services to people in even the most remote areas of India, bringing essential support within reach of those who may have previously been unable to access it. The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised the programme for its innovative approach, recognising it as an effective model for mental health care. WHO’s representative to India commended the initiative, highlighting its role in improving mental health outcomes. The programme has also strengthened the integration of primary healthcare centres, such as Ayushmann Arogya Mandirs, to provide more comprehensive support.

As Tele MANAS marks its second anniversary, it reflects a strong commitment to tackling mental health challenges, ensuring that care is available to all, regardless of their location.

Mental health is a growing crisis in India, with the country home to 18% of the world’s population. Mental disorders are now the second leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs), and suicide is the third leading cause of death in several states. National surveys indicate that 15% of India’s adult population requires mental health intervention, but the treatment gap ranges between 70-92%. Despite the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, which guarantees access to mental health services, millions of Indians still lack the care they need. With more than 1 lakh people dying by suicide each year, Tele MANAS has been introduced to bridge this critical gap.

The programme’s core aim is to provide equitable, affordable, and high-quality mental health services to every Indian citizen. Its helpline is available 24/7, ensuring that support is always within reach. To achieve this, Tele MANAS has established services in every state and union territory, connecting callers with counselling, medical consultations, and follow-up care. The initiative also prioritises vulnerable populations, extending its reach to those who may otherwise struggle to access help.

Tele MANAS operates through a two-tier system. In the first tier, state-run Tele MANAS cells, staffed by trained counsellors and mental health professionals, offer immediate support. Services include tele-counselling, which helps individuals navigate day-to-day stressors such as relationship issues, work pressure, and exam anxiety. Counselling is available in 20 Indian languages, ensuring accessibility for diverse populations. Tele-consultations, provided by mental health professionals, address more complex issues such as depression, addiction, and dementia. In emergencies, immediate interventions are made for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or behavioural crises.

In the second tier, specialists from the District Mental Health Programme and medical colleges provide advanced care, including in-person consultations and audiovisual consultations via platforms like e-Sanjeevani. This tier ensures that those requiring more intensive treatment are referred to appropriate healthcare facilities.

Tele MANAS has also launched a mobile app and video consultation services, expanding its capabilities beyond telephone-based support. The app, which offers self-care resources, stress management tips, and mental health assessments, is designed to engage users in an interactive way. Video consultations enable professionals to make more comprehensive assessments by observing callers directly, enhancing the quality of care provided.

In its two years of operation, Tele MANAS has answered over 14.7 lakh calls, demonstrating its impact on mental health care access. The programme has set up 52 Tele MANAS Cells across the country, partnered with 23 mentoring institutes, and established five regional coordination centres to ensure smooth operations.

As Tele MANAS enters its third year, it continues to address India’s mental health needs by providing essential services to millions across the country. By leveraging technology and a structured support system, the programme has made significant strides in ensuring that mental health care is available to everyone, breaking down barriers of distance, cost, and stigma. With further innovations such as the app and video consultations, Tele MANAS is set to play an even more crucial role in India’s mental health landscape in the years to come.

BI Bureau