The Tele-MANAS toll-free number, launched as part of the national tele-mental health programme in India, receives 3,500 calls per day on average, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Wednesday.
Launched in October 2022, the 51 Tele-MANAS cells across all States and Union territories have since then received over 10 lakh calls, the health ministry said. The toll-free helpline numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416, aimed at enhancing mental health service delivery nationwide, offers multi-language support and has been pivotal in facilitating communication between callers and mental health professionals.
As per the ministry, from around 12,000 in December 2022 to over 90,000 in May 2024, the helpline has seen a steady increase in the number of callers. It also incorporates call-backs for follow-up.
"This increase in engagement also underscores the importance of continued investment and expansion of mental health initiatives to ensure that everyone has access to the support they need," the health ministry said.
"By linking existing mental health resources and establishing a comprehensive digital network, Tele-MANAS has become an essential platform for addressing the nation's mental health needs," it added. The ministry noted that providing teleservices to target vulnerable populations represents "a significant milestone in India's ongoing efforts to combat the mental health crisis".
The platform will also likely be integrated with initiatives like e-Sanjeevani to further enhance accessibility and effectiveness, the ministry said, noting that it will help address the rising mental health challenges in the country.
What is Tele-MANAS?
Launched in 2022, the Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare roped in Bengaluru-based National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) to address the mental health crisis in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and an urgent need to establish a digital mental health network in the country.
Tele-MANAS, which 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, 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.
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.
NIMHANS has conducted training for 900 Tele MANAS counsellors from majority of States/UTs.
(With inputs from IANS)
