Blitz Bureau
THE National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) marked two years of contribution to the nation’s mental healthcare system, on October 10 this year. As part of this initiative, Tele MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) was introduced as a toll-free helpline (14416) available nationwide, offering a wide range of mental health services. Through this digital platform, individuals can access telephone-based counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatric consultations, and referral services, including urgent care, without the barriers of distance or cost.
Tele MANAS has made mental healthcare more accessible to millions across India, ensuring that people, especially in remote areas, receive timely support. The programme’s ability to deliver mental health services on such a broad scale has drawn praise from global health authorities. The World Health Organisation (WHO) hailed Tele MANAS as an innovative and effective model for delivering mental health care.
Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, congratulated the Ministry of Health for the programme’s success over the past two years, noting that the WHO’s review of Tele MANAS highlighted its potential to significantly improve mental health outcomes. He also emphasised the vital role of primary healthcare centers in supporting mental wellbeing through this initiative.
Strong commitment
As Tele MANAS enters its third year, its achievements reflect a strong commitment to addressing mental health challenges, ensuring that care is available to everyone, no matter where they are in the country.
India, home to 18 pc of the global population, faces a significant mental health crisis, with mental disorders being the second leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs) and suicide ranking as the third leading cause of death in many states. National studies reveal that 15 per cent of India’s adult population experiences mental health issues requiring intervention, yet the treatment gap ranges from 70-92 per cent, leaving millions without access to care.
Although the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 enshrines access to mental health as a statutory right, over 11 crore people still suffer from mental health disorders, with 80 pc not seeking help. Each year, more than 1 lakh people die by suicide, while countless others attempt to end their lives, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
Tele MANAS was established to bridge this gap and make mental healthcare accessible to all. By offering counseling, psychotherapy, and referral services via telephone, the programme provides a lifeline to individuals who might otherwise be unable to seek help.
Fundamental right
Most mental health issues do not require specialised care but can be managed effectively by trained healthcare providers, ensuring that no individual faces discrimination or neglect due to mental illness. Access to mental healthcare is a fundamental human right, and Tele MANAS is a vital step toward realising that right for millions of people across India.
The primary aim of Tele MANAS is to provide universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality mental healthcare through a 24×7 tele-mental health service, forming a key digital component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP). This service is available across all Indian states and Union Territories, with assured linkages to ensure seamless care. The key objectives of the programme include: scaling up the reach of mental health services nationwide; establishing an integrated system that goes beyond counseling; and prioritising mental health services for vulnerable and difficult-to-reach groups.
