The Union of Indian Ministry of Health & Family Welfare officially launched the national telephonic mental health program this week.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Called the Tele-Mental Health Support and Networking System Across the States (Tele-MANAS), it will provide free round-the-clock teleconsultations for mental health concerns . It operates a network of 23 telemedicine centers of excellence with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (NIMHANS) at its core and the International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore providing technology support.
The India-Bengaluru Institute of Technology and the National Health System Resource Center are also providing technical assistance to the program.
It will be held in a two-tier system: Level 1 includes state-level cells with trained counselors and mental health professionals and Level 2 includes e-Sanjeevani, the health service India’s national telemedicine, providing audiovisual counseling, and experts from the District’s Mental Health Program and partner medical colleges are providing face-to-face counseling.
In a press statement, the coalition government said it aims to open at least one Tele-MANAS branch in each state or union territory across the country. Currently, five regional coordination centers have been established, along with 51 state or union territorial Tele-MANAS branches.
In addition, about 900 consultants were trained by NIMHANS for the program.
This first rollout will provide basic support and advice through a centralized Interactive Voice Response system, which is being customized for use across states and union territories, the government said. .
Tele-MANAS is planned to link up with other services such as e-Sanjeevani and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, as well as with mental health professionals and psychiatric emergency facilities.
“Ultimately, this will cover the entire spectrum of mental health and illness, and integrate all mental health care delivery systems,” the government added.
WHY IT IMPORTANT
In launching Tele-MANAS, the Indian government recognizes the ongoing mental health crisis in the country following the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, According to a survey report by the Psychiatric Association of India, about 40% of Indians are experiencing some kind of mental health problem.
The government also acknowledged the “urgent need” to establish a digital mental health network to address the population health challenges brought by the pandemic.
BIGGER BACKGROUND
The establishment of a national telemedicine mental health program was first announced earlier this year upon release Union Budget 22-23.
In an earlier statement, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the program aims to transform access to mental health care by providing counseling and care using tools. standards, evidence-based, culturally appropriate; increasing access to quality, standardized and free mental health services; and help connect with various mental health services.
