Tele-Mental Health Service Received 1 Lakh Calls Since October 2022: Centre

The public can access the Tele MANAS helpline by dialling a toll-free number or shortcode. This call will be IVRS-based audio calling only, with a timely auto-call-back approach.

Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele Manas) Helpline, which was launched in 2022 to provide 24x7 tele-mental health services, received 1 lakh calls till now since its inception, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said on Monday.

"Together For Mental Health! 100,000 calls received on the Tele Manas Helpline since its launch in October 2022. PM @NarendraModiJi's Govt is committed to providing access to quality mental healthcare for all across the country," the Minister tweeted.

According to the Union Health Ministry, the Central Government in its Union Budget 2022, announced the National Tele Mental Health Programme of India, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) and entrusted the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to guide its overall implementation.

"Consequently, 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 the specific goals and objectives of Tele MANAS, said Union Health Family Welfare Ministry," the Ministry said.