Why in news?

The Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative, which is based on Karnataka’s initiative of the same name, was launched during the 26th Convocation of National Institute of Mental Health And Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) by Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers.

Highlights:

• The nodal centre: NIMHANS
• Technological support for the initiative: the International Institute of Information Technology, Bengaluru (IITB)
• It will provide: 24/7 mental health facility, universal access to equitable, affordable and quality mental health care through tele-services under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP).
• It was launched on: World Mental Health Day (10^th October)
• With a network of 23 tele-mental health centres of excellence, those who dial the helpline can have their choice of language to avail services. Accordingly, the calls would be rerouted to the tele-facilities in the respective States and Union Territories.
• The Tele-MANAS cells will provide basic support and counselling, as well as linkages with mental health professionals, eSanjeevini, Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centres and emergency psychiatric facilities.

First in Karnataka

• E-Manas, the tele-counselling programme, was launched by the State government during the first wave of COVID-19 in association with NIMHANS to help people through the stress of the pandemic and lockdown.
• Eventually, the State also introduced an online counselling helpline for students during the announcement of class 10 results..