On World Mental Health Day, which took place on October 10, 2022, a significant initiative called "Tele-MANAS" was launched. This initiative aims to provide universal access to equitable, affordable, and high-quality mental health care through telecommunication services.
In order to ensure consistent and top-notch services nationwide, training manuals for counselors and facilitators were introduced during the second CS Preparatory Meeting held on November 25, 2022, in Delhi.
Further progress was made on the second day of Universal Health Coverage Day in Varanasi in the same year, where Operational Guidelines for Tele-MANAS were launched. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of around 900 Community Health Officers and Medical Officers.
To enhance the effectiveness of Tele-MANAS, all 51 Tele-MANAS cells are set to be fully operationalized. These Tele-MANAS cells will be closely linked to the District Mental Health Program, e-Sanjeevani, and Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres.
Since its inception, Tele-MANAS has already proven to be beneficial, having handled over 66,000 calls until March 12, 2023. Currently, 36 out of the 51 Tele-MANAS cells are functional, and plans are underway to establish links with e-Sanjeevani in the near future.