Tele-MANAS Initiative

Tags: National National News

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, 2022 the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative.

Important facts

• 'Tele Manas' will serve as the digital arm of the 'District Mental Health Programme' with the objective of providing access to mental health support.

• Tele-MANAS aims to provide free tele-mental health services across the country.

• The program includes a network of 23 Tele-Mental Health Centers of Excellence, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bengaluru and National Health System Resource Center (NHRSC) to provide technical support.

• The government aims to open at least one tele-manas cell in each State/UT.

• A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number (14416) has been launched across the country.

• In the Union Budget 2022-23, the central government announced the National Tele Mental Health Program (NMHP).

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare - Mansukh Mandaviya