The national tele-mental health program, also known as Tele-MANAS (Telemental Health Assistance and the Networking Across States), consists of a network of cells, regional coordination centers, and centers of excellence for mental health. 51 Tele-MANAS cells will offer mental health services, counseling, essential support, connections to emergency psychiatric facilities, eSanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers, and mental health professionals.
At the 26th convocation of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bengaluru, governor Thaawarchand Gehlot introduced Tele-MANAS, a program that offers 24/7 counseling and mental health services (Nimhans).
Beginning with 20 states, including Karnataka, Tele-MANAS services will eventually be available in additional states. Callers can choose their preferred language when calling toll-free helplines 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 to receive benefits. The platform connects patients, mental health professionals, and mental health institutions.
The national tele-mental health program, also known as Tele-MANAS (Telemental Health Assistance and the Networking Across States), consists of a network of cells, regional coordination centers, and centers of excellence for mental health. 51 Tele-MANAS cells will offer mental health services, counseling, essential support, connections to emergency psychiatric facilities, eSanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers, and mental health professionals.
The International Institute of Information Technology, Bengaluru (IIIT-B) will provide technical assistance, with Nimhans acting as the top nodal coordinating center.
The Union government’s launch of Tele-MANAS, which is based on the e-Manas platform in Karnataka, according to health minister K Sudhakar, is a source of great pride for the state.
When the pandemic began, “Karnataka initially launched a tele-counseling program in collaboration with Nimhans. The primary goal was the panic brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. The program was a huge success, and the government of Karnataka also tried online counseling for students individually for the class 10 results. According to him, Karnataka has completed 23 lakh tele-counseling sessions so far.
Gehlot asked Nimhans to work with a mental health and rehabilitation center developed in Madhya Pradesh to meet international standards. Gehlot could not physically attend the event because he had recently tested positive for COVID-19.
“The center will support the government’s efforts to rehabilitate patients with mental health problems. The facility, which cost Rs 170 crore to build, will be completed next year. I want to ask the Nimhans authorities and the Karnataka government to use it and closely collaborate with the center,” he said. At the conference, up to 347 students received degrees and certificates, with 22 receiving gold medals.
