Govt Expands Mental Health Services with Tele MANAS Cells

These services are part of the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP), launched on October 10, 2022, to enhance access to mental health care across India.

The Union government has expanded its mental health services by introducing Tele MANAS Cells, which have collectively managed over 11.76 Lakh calls since their inception. 

These services are part of the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP), launched on October 10, 2022, to enhance access to mental health care across India.

The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), an integral component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), has been extended to 767 districts. 

This program aims to offer a broad spectrum of mental health services, including suicide prevention, workplace stress management, and counseling in educational institutions. 

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted the various facilities available under DMHP at district hospitals, community health centers (CHCs), and primary health centers (PHCs). 

These include outpatient services, psychosocial interventions, continuing care for severe mental disorders, and a 10-bed inpatient facility at the district level.

Jadhav noted, “The DMHP includes outpatient, counseling, and outreach services. We also provide a 10-bed in-patient facility at the district level.”

Govt’s Efforts For Mental Health Care

To bolster mental health care, the NMHP also supports tertiary care through 25 Centers of Excellence and has funded the establishment or strengthening of 47 postgraduate (PG) departments in mental health across 19 government medical colleges. 

Furthermore, mental health services are incorporated into the curricula of 22 new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) institutions.

The government has upgraded over 1.73 lakh sub-health centers (SHCs) and primary health centers (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, where mental health services are now included in the Comprehensive Primary Health Care package. 

This move aims to enhance the integration of mental health services at the grassroots level.

Jadhav also mentioned, “The government has upgraded more than 1.73 lakh sub-health centers and primary health centers to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, incorporating mental health services into the Comprehensive Primary Health Care package.”

Since their launch, 53 Tele MANAS Cells have been set up across 36 states and Union Territories (UTs), providing remote mental health support. 

These cells have played a crucial role in managing mental health issues, with over 11.76 Lakh calls received through the dedicated helpline.