Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Launches Tele- MANAS Initiative
On October 10, 2022, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) initiative.
'Tele-MANAS' will serve as the digital arm of the 'District Mental Health Program' with the objective of providing access to mental health support. Tele-MANAS aims to provide free Tele-mental health services across the country. Let’s educate that the National Tele Mental Health Program (NMHP) was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23.
The program includes a network of 23 Tele-Mental Health Centers of Excellence, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bengaluru and National Health System Resource Center to provide technical support. The government aims to open at least one Tele-MANAS cell in each State/UT. A toll-free 24/7 helpline number 14416 has been launched across the country.
