TELE MANAS

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Picture Courtesy: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2022796

Context: Collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to establish a dedicated mental health helpline for the Armed Forces.

Details

• The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Defence have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a dedicated Tele MANAS cell for armed forces.
• The MoU aims to address the unique stressors faced by the Indian military, such as the operational environment, cultural challenges, and stressors related to regional conflicts.
• With the signing of the MoU, the mental health and well-being of Armed Forces personnel and their families will be addressed, providing direct access to specialised care.

About Tele MANAS

• Launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in October 2022, to provide free tele-mental health services nationwide, especially in remote or under-served areas.
• A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number (14416) is available for calls, with calls also accessible via 1-800-891-4416.
• Tele-MANAS is organised into two-tier systems:
  • Tier 1 includes state Tele-MANAS cells.
  • Tier 2 includes specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio-visual consultation.
• The initial rollout of basic support and counselling through a centralized Interactive Voice Response system (IVRS) is being customized for use across all States and UTs.
• The programme aims to integrate all systems providing mental health care, including the National tele-consultation service, e-Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, mental health professionals, Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centres, and emergency psychiatric facilities.
• Tele-MANAS services are accessible to individuals with mental health issues, family members of persons with mental health issues, grassroots-root health care providers/community health providers, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and community volunteers.

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Tele-MANAS

Source:

PIB

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