On World Mental Health Day, the Union Health Ministry marked the second anniversary of its National Tele Mental Health Programme, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS), by launching the Tele MANAS app and video call facility. The theme for this year’s celebration, "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health at the Workplace," highlights the critical need for mental health support in professional environments.

At the event, Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) & Managing Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), inaugurated the Tele MANAS app alongside Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, and other senior officials. The app provides users with access to mental health resources, including tips on managing stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. It also offers 24/7 confidential counseling by trained professionals, with support in multiple languages.

A significant new feature of the program is the introduction of video consultations, which will complement the existing audio services. Initially available in Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu, the video call facility allows mental health professionals to perform a more detailed assessment, including brief physical and mental state examinations.

During her address, Smt. Patnaik underscored the importance of mental health in fostering productive workplaces and communities. She emphasized the need for creating supportive work environments that promote a healthy work-life balance, stating, “Mental health is fundamental to overall health. Tele MANAS has handled over 1.45 million calls since its launch, showcasing its importance in addressing mental health challenges across the country.”

Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, pointed to workplace issues such as gender inequity, unsupportive colleagues, and lack of work-life balance as major factors affecting employees’ mental health. He called for collective efforts from employers and managers to create healthier work environments, noting the success of Tele MANAS as a model for providing mental health care.

Tele MANAS, a toll-free helpline (14416 or 1-800-891-4416), has been instrumental in connecting individuals with mental health professionals, offering support in 20 languages. The initiative reflects the government’s dedication to improving mental well-being across the nation.

At the event, a rapid assessment report on Tele MANAS, conducted by the WHO, was released. The report highlights key milestones achieved by the program and its potential to further enhance mental health care in India. Additionally, a self-care module for employees, titled “Taking Charge of Your Mental Health—Because It Matters”, was launched to provide strategies for managing workplace stress.

Roundtable discussions during the event featured a diverse group of experts from government ministries, health institutions such as NIMHANS and AIIMS, and industry associations like FICCI and CII. Topics included building mental health resilience in workplaces, challenges faced by informal workers, and the role of holistic practices in promoting well-being. The role of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Tele MANAS in supporting mental health was also explored.

As mental health takes center stage on this World Mental Health Day, the Health Ministry continues to seek collaboration from other ministries and organizations to enhance mental health support in workplaces across India.