Health Watch | Mental health: National hotline to the rescue
Tele-MANAS has handled more than 3.43 million calls since its launch in October 2022
One of India’s most significant mental health developments has come through international recognition rather than a new policy announcement. Recently, The British Journal of Psychiatry published a paper describing Tele-MANAS (Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States), the Centre’s national tele-mental health helpline, as a model that other low- and middle-income countries could adopt.
One of India’s most significant mental health developments has come through international recognition rather than a new policy announcement. Recently, The British Journal of Psychiatry published a paper describing Tele-MANAS (Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States), the Centre’s national tele-mental health helpline, as a model that other low- and middle-income countries could adopt.
One of India’s most significant mental health developments has come through international recognition rather than a new policy announcement. Recently, The British Journal of Psychiatry published a paper describing Tele-MANAS (Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States), the Centre’s national tele-mental health helpline, as a model that other low- and middle-income countries could adopt.
Launched in October 2022, Tele-MANAS is a free, round-the-clock telephone service (call 1800-89-14416) that connects people having mental health concerns with trained counsellors. Depending on a caller’s needs, they may receive immediate counselling, be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist, or be guided towards services available in their area. The service is available in multiple languages and allows people to seek help without visiting a clinic. Privacy, easy access and affordability are the hallmarks of its success.
The programme has handled more than 3.43 million calls, underlining two realities. First, there is a substantial unmet need for mental health support in India, with many people seeking help for anxiety, depression, stress and other emotional difficulties. Second, accessible services can encourage more people to reach out. National studies reveal that 15 per cent of India’s adult population suffer from mental health issues, yet the treatment gap ranges from 70-92 per cent, leaving millions without access to care.
The recognition does not mean India’s mental health challenges have been solved. Rather, it suggests that simple, tech-enabled services such as Tele-MANAS could become an important first point of contact, helping people access support earlier.
