The Government has also collaborated with the iGOTDiksha platform, a digital learning initiative in 2020, to train healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and community health volunteers in mental healthcare. This programme focuses on: building capacity for mental healthcare at the grassroots level; equipping doctors and nurses with skills to diagnose and treat mental disorders; and promoting mental health awareness in rural areas. National Tele Mental Health Programme: Launched on October 10, 2022, Tele MANAS was a gamechanger in India’s digital mental health infrastructure. It provides free, 24/7 mental health support to individuals through a national toll-free helpline.
As of February 7 this year, the Tele MANAS helpline has handled over 1.81 million (18,27,951) calls since its launch in 2022, providing essential mental health support across the country.
There are 53 Tele MANAS cells across various states, ensuring local access to mental health services. The programme is supported by 23 Mentoring Institutes nationwide, along with five regional coordinating centres, ensuring efficient service delivery and expert guidance in mental healthcare. Tele MANAS services include immediate tele-counselling by trained professionals; referral support to psychiatrists for severe cases; and mental health awareness campaigns via digital platforms.
Mobile-based mental health interventions, ensuring accessibility in rural and remote areas. The World Health Organisation (WHO) praised Tele MANAS as an effective and scalable mental health solution, making mental healthcare more inclusive and affordable.
Blitz Bureau
KIRAN Helpline: The KIRAN Helpline, initially launched in 2020, was merged into Tele MANAS in 2022 to enhance the efficiency of mental health support services. This transition streamlined mental health helpline operations, making it more accessible and better integrated with India’s healthcare system.
During Covid-19, the Government took crucial steps to support mental health. A 24/7 helpline provided nationwide psychosocial assistance, while health workers received online training through the iGOT-Diksha platform. Public awareness campaigns spread stress management strategies via media, and official guidelines and advisories were issued to promote mental well-being.
Suicide prevention The National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2022, with the goal of reducing suicide mortality by 10 per cent by 2030. Recognising suicide as a public health concern, the strategy focuses on early intervention, crisis management, and mental health promotion.
The key components of the NSPS include: mental health screenings for students in schools and colleges; establishing crisis helplines and psychological support centers; community awareness programmes to break the stigma around mental illness and suicide; and stronger implementation of workplace mental health programmes. By focusing on high-risk populations, such as students, farmers, and young adults, the strategy ensures targeted intervention to prevent selfharm and improve overall wellbeing. India has made notable progress in mental healthcare through policy reforms, digital initiatives like Tele MANAS and expanding access to services under programmes such as NMHP, Ayushman Bharat HWCs, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
Moving forward, India must strengthen awareness campaigns, expand workforce training and invest in digital mental health solutions. A mentally healthier India is vital for individual wellbeing, economic growth, and national development, requiring a whole-of-society approach to make mental healthcare accessible, inclusive, and stigma-free.
