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February 16, 2024
Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, inaugurated a two-day National Workshop on Mental Health, marking a significant stride in addressing mental health challenges across the nation. The workshop aims to convene senior officers from all states along with mentoring institutes for TeleMANAS, a national tele-mental health helpline, underscoring India’s commitment to bolstering mental health services.
Dr. Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, graced the occasion alongside Dr. Paul. During the inauguration, Dr. Paul announced the merger of the KIRAN Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline with TeleMANAS. KIRAN, established in September 2020, has served over 1,27,390 callers, while Tele-Manas, launched in October 2022, has handled 6,75,000 calls. This merger aims to optimize resources, enhance service quality, and address the increasing demand for mental health support by facilitating a seamless transition and extensive public awareness.
Expressing elation over the merger, Dr. Paul stated, “It will reduce the burden and help in reaching the concerned persons with ease.” He reiterated India’s commitment to mental health by bringing stakeholders together to design a robust healthcare system during the workshop.
Dr. Aggarwal emphasized the importance of innovative approaches, including special education and proper care, in addressing mental health issues among children. He lauded the timely integration of the KIRAN Helpline with TeleMANAS.
The workshop also witnessed the release of three manuals aimed at simplifying the complexities of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. These manuals cater to legal aid providers, mental health practitioners, and caregivers, offering comprehensive guidance on navigating the legal framework surrounding mental healthcare in India.
The two-day workshop encompasses sessions covering policy reviews, mindfulness sessions, integration of mental health in primary and secondary healthcare, global best practices, enhancing mental health literacy, challenges, and the way forward in TeleMANAS, and the role of Mentoring Institutes. Panel discussions moderated by experts from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the World Health Organization provide a platform for sharing insights, experiences, and best practices in mental health care.
Ms. L S Changsan, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, MoHFW; Ms. Indrani Kaushal, Economic Advisor, MoHFW; Dr. Roderico H Ofrin, WHO Representative to India; Dr. B. N Gangadhar, Chairman, National Medical Council; Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS; and senior officials from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and States/UTs, as well as experts in the field of mental health, were also present at the event.
The workshop underscores the collective efforts to address mental health challenges and pave the way for a healthier, more resilient nation.
