NEW DELHI: The Tele-Manas mental health helpline, introduced in 2022 to provide 24/7 support, has handled 1.66 lakh calls since its launch. According to the Ministry of Health, the service has been implemented across all states and union territories and is supported by 53 operational centers.
A dedicated Tele-Manas unit has been set up at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, aimed at offering tele-mental health support to military personnel and their families, an official stated.
The Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-Manas) initiative is designed with a two-tier system. The first tier consists of state-level Tele-Manas centers staffed with trained counselors and mental health professionals. The second tier involves district mental health specialists or medical college resources, offering advanced care through in-person consultations or via the eSanjeevani audio-visual platform.
The helpline can be accessed by dialing a toll-free number or a short code. Depending on the caller's needs, counselors either provide immediate assistance or refer them to specialists for further care.
A senior official from the health ministry mentioned that video consultations have recently been introduced as an upgrade to the existing audio calling feature. This new facility is currently available in Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu, with plans to expand it nationwide.
India faces a significant shortfall in mental health professionals, with only 0.75 specialists available for every 100,000 people, compared to the recommended ratio of three psychiatrists per 100,000. Dr. V.K. Paul, a health expert from NITI Aayog, has called for an increase in postgraduate seats in psychiatry to address this deficit.
Dr. Paul also emphasized the importance of training healthcare workers at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) to handle common mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. He pointed out that these centers should be equipped to provide primary mental health care and refer patients to higher facilities when necessary. "Common issues like anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders are prevalent, making it essential for AB-HWCs to be equipped to handle them efficiently," he said.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)