Why in news? Government helpline Tele MANAS records highest number of calls seeking assistance with sleep disturbance

Highlights:

• Since its inception in October last year, Tele MANAS, the government-run national tele-mental health helpline, has recorded the highest number of calls seeking help for sleep orders.
• The intiative was announced as National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in the Union Budget 2022-23.

Tele MANAS

Ministry – Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Organization

• NIMHANS was identified as the nodal centre
• International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIITB) was identified to provide technology support

Features

• It aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas.
• It was established after acknowledging the mental health crisis in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and an urgent need to establish a digital mental health network
• Union Government aims to open at least one Tele-MANAS Cell in each State/UT.

Structure

• It will be organised in two tier system
• Tier 1 comprises of state Tele-MANAS cells which include trained counsellors and mental health specialists.
• Tier 2 will comprise of specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation
• e-Sanjeevani for audio visual consultation.
• Specialised care is being envisioned through the programme by linking Tele-MANAS with other services like National tele-consultation service, e-Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, mental health professionals, Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centres and emergency psychiatric facilities.