On World Mental Health Day 2025, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare announced new initiatives under the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) to strengthen access to digital mental healthcare services across India.
About Tele MANAS
- Full Form: Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States
- Launched by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2022
- Aim: To provide affordable, equitable, and quality mental health services to every citizen through 24×7 tele-counselling and consultation support, forming a digital backbone of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP).
Key Features
Pan-India Coverage: The service operates in all States and Union Territories, ensuring linkages for seamless referrals and continued care.
Two-Tier Service Structure:
Tier 1 – Frontline Support: Managed by state-level Tele MANAS cells with trained counsellors and psychologists offering:
- Tele-counselling
- Tele-consultation
Tier 2 – Specialist Support:
Involves psychiatrists and clinical psychologists from District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) centres and medical colleges.
They provide advanced video consultations through platforms like e-Sanjeevani.
Digital Expansion:
Launch of the Tele MANAS mobile app offering:
- Video consultation and chat support
- Self-help resources and stress management tools
- Early distress detection guides
- Chatbot “Asmi” for interactive support
- Emergency module for high-risk users
Language Accessibility:
Available in 10 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, Punjabi) along with Hindi and English — ensuring inclusivity in mental health outreach.
Significance
- Strengthens digital healthcare ecosystem under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
- Reduces the mental health treatment gap through remote access.
- Encourages early intervention and awareness.
- Supports mental health resilience post-pandemic.