Union Minister of State for Health Dr Pravin Bharati Pawar has informed that a total of 63806 calls have been handled on TeleManas helpline number.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on government’s initiatives to handle mental illness, Dr Bharati stated that the Government launched a “National Tele Mental Health Programme” on October 10, 2022, to further improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country.

“As on 09.03.2023, 25 States/ UTs have set up 36 Tele MANAS Cells and have started mental health services. 63806 calls have been handled on the helpline number,” she added.

Dr Pawar further informed that the government is implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in the country.

The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) component of the NMHP has been sanctioned for implementation in 716 districts for which support is provided to states/UTs through the National Health Mission.

She said that facilities made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels, include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc.

In addition to the above, the government is also taking steps to strengthen mental healthcare services at primary healthcare level.

Dr Pawar informed that mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care under Ayushman Bharat – HWC Scheme.

Operational guidelines on Mental, Neurological, and substance use disorders (MNS) at Health and Wellness Centres (HWC) have been released under the ambit of Ayushman Bharat.