Tele MANAS: Two Years of Mental Health Innovation

The Union Health Ministry marks two years of the National Tele Mental Health Programme, Tele MANAS, with new features. Launched on World Mental Health Day, the initiative introduces a video call facility and app, enhancing mental health support across India, and emphasizing the importance of mental health in the workplace.

The Union Health Ministry celebrated the second anniversary of the National Tele Mental Health Programme, Tele MANAS, on World Mental Health Day. The event, focused on the theme 'Prioritize Mental Health at the Workplace,' saw the launch of the Tele MANAS app and a video call facility, enhancing mental health services across states.

Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary, MoHFW, unveiled the app alongside WHO's Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin and other dignitaries. The app, a comprehensive platform providing support for mental health issues, offers self-care tips and connects users to professional mental health support 24/7. It promises a user-friendly experience with engaging features like mind challenges and mindfulness practices.

This new video call feature, initially available in Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu, adds to the existing audio services, providing more in-depth consultations. It allows professionals to conduct brief physical or mental state examinations. The initiative is part of a broader effort to emphasize mental health, especially in the workplace, underscoring the role of supportive environments and the responsibility of employers.

(With inputs from agencies.)