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February 8, 2025
In a significant move towards improving mental healthcare access across India, the Government has been taking robust steps to enhance mental health services nationwide. The launch of the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in October 2022 marked a major milestone, offering 24×7 tele-mental health counseling services. This initiative functions as the digital extension of the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), ensuring universal access to equitable and quality mental healthcare.
Expansion of Tele MANAS Services
As of February 3, 2025, 36 States and Union Territories have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells, which provide mental health support in 20 languages. More than 1.8 million calls have been handled via the helpline (14416), reflecting the growing need for accessible mental health support. Additionally, a dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell has been established at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, offering tele-mental health assistance to Armed Forces personnel and their families.
Launch of Tele MANAS Mobile Application
To further boost accessibility, the Tele MANAS Mobile Application was launched on World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2024. This comprehensive mobile platform caters to mental health needs, ranging from general well-being support to addressing serious mental disorders.
Financial Commitment and Infrastructure Expansion
The Government has allocated Rs. 120.98 crore, Rs. 133.73 crore, and Rs. 90.00 crore for NTMHP in the fiscal years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25, respectively. In addition to the Tele MANAS initiative, more than 1.73 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been set up to provide mental health services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC).
Strengthening Mental Health Education and Workforce
To enhance mental healthcare training and treatment facilities, 25 Centres of Excellence have been sanctioned, increasing intake for postgraduate students in mental health specialities. Additionally, 47 PG departments in government medical colleges have been established or strengthened. Under the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC), new guidelines (PGMSR-2023) have been introduced to streamline psychiatry postgraduate admissions, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified professionals.
The Government is also addressing the need for trained mental health professionals in underserved areas through Digital Academies, operational since 2018 at three premier institutes—National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi. So far, 42,488 mental healthcare professionals have been trained under these academies.
Commitment to Nationwide Mental Healthcare
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is now active in 767 districts, providing comprehensive mental health services, including outpatient consultations, counseling, and outreach programs at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, confirmed these developments in a written statement to the Lok Sabha yesterday, emphasizing the Government’s commitment to strengthening mental healthcare services nationwide.
Disclaimer
This news article is based on official government data and statements. Readers are encouraged to verify information through official government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
