Centre Reveals Rs 230 Cr for Nationwide Tele Mental Health Programme

New Delhi, April 4: The Centre on Friday informed the Parliament that it has allocated more than Rs 230 crore for the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in the last three years.

Key Points

Nationwide 24x7 mental health helpline launched in October 2022

Services available in 20 languages across India

Over 20 lakh calls handled through Tele-MANAS Cells

Integrated medical and psychosocial support provided

Launched on October 10, 2022, NTMHP functions as the digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme to provide universal access to equitable, accessible, affordable, and quality mental health care.

The Tele-MANAS Cells, under NTMHP, which provides 24x7 tele-mental health counselling services via a toll-free number (14416) set up across the country, have so far handled more than 20,05,000 calls, said Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav.

Till April 1, "36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele-MANAS Cells. Tele-MANAS services are available in 20 languages based on language opted by States. More than 20,05,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number,” said Jadhav in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

“Over Rs. 230 crore have been allocated by the government for NTMHP in last three years,” he added.

The MoS noted that NTMHP aims to exponentially scale up the reach of mental health services across India by setting up a 24x7 tele-mental health facility in each State and UT.

The programme also aims to implement a full-fledged mental health service network that, in addition to counselling, provides integrated medical and psychosocial interventions to vulnerable groups.

Towards this, a dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell has been established at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune to extend tele-mental health assistance and support to all Armed Forces service personnel and their dependents.

Further, Jadhav noted that the Government is also taking steps to strengthen mental healthcare services at the primary healthcare level.

"More than 1.75 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs,” he said.

Mental health services have also been added to the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

Reader Comments

Priya K.

This is such an important initiative! Mental health services should be accessible to everyone regardless of where they live. The 24/7 helpline in multiple languages is especially needed in rural areas. 👏

Rahul S.

While I appreciate the effort, I wonder how effective phone counseling can be compared to in-person therapy. Also, 230 crore seems like a lot - would be good to see some data on outcomes and satisfaction rates.

Anjali M.

Called the helpline for my cousin last month. The counselor was patient and helpful in guiding us through a crisis situation. More people should know about this service!

Vikram P.

Great to see mental health getting attention and funding. The armed forces cell is especially important - our soldiers go through so much stress that often goes unaddressed.

Sunita R.

Hope they continue expanding this program. Mental health is just as important as physical health, but still carries so much stigma in our society. These services can help change that perception.

Karan D.

20 lakh calls handled is impressive! Shows how much need there is for these services. Hope they keep training more counselors to meet the demand.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:

Mental Health Tele-MANAS Healthcare India Prataprao Jadhav Digital Counseling National Health Programme