Tele MANAS

July 7, 2023

India’s first Tele-MANAS chatbot was launched in Jammu & Kashmir.
It will ensure round the clock services of health counsellors, clinical psychologists and consultants.
The Centre had in Budget 2022 announced the National Tele Mental Health Programme of India, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS).
It is under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences(NIMHANS) is the nodal centre while National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHRSC), IIT Bengaluru and IIITB will provide technology support.
A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number (14416) has been set up across the country.
Tele-MANAS is a two-tier system.
- Tier 1 comprises State Tele MANAS cells, which includes trained counsellors and mental health specialists.
- Tier 2 comprises specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or eSanjeevani for audio visual consultation.