Tele Manas in India: Advancing Mental Health Accessibility

Abstract

India grapples with a substantial mental health burden, with an estimated one in seven individuals affected by diagnosable mental disorders. Mental health issues are significant contributors to the non-fatal disease burden, but detailed state-wise data on prevalence, impact, and risk factors are scarce. In response, the Government of India introduced the National Tele Mental Health Programme in the 2022 Union Budget to improve access to equitable, affordable, and high-quality mental health care. This initiative aims to offer round-the-clock mental health support, especially to vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. Managed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the program launched Tele Manas on October 10, 2022, featuring a nationwide, toll-free helpline number, 14416, providing support in multiple regional languages.