A dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell has been established at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, with the support of the Union Health Ministry. The inauguration ceremony took place on December 1st, 2023 and was presided over by the Chief of Defence Staff, along with the Economic Advisor of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Director of NIMHANS.
The Tele-MANAS Cell at the Armed Forces Medical College will function as an extension of the Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative. This initiative is part of the National Tele Mental Health Programme of India and was launched on World Mental Health Day at NIMHANS on October 10, 2022.
The Tele-MANAS initiative aims to provide comprehensive, integrated, and inclusive 24×7 tele-mental health services through a toll-free number (14416) in each State and Union Territory. It serves as a digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) and envisions reaching out to individuals in need of mental health assistance across the nation.
The operational environment, cultural challenges, and specific stressors related to regional conflicts necessitate a specialized approach to mental health care services in the Armed Forces. In light of this, the Tele-MANAS Cell at the Armed Forces Medical College will address the psychological well-being of armed forces personnel and their families.
Under the National Tele Mental Health Programme of India, there are currently 46 functional Tele-MANAS cells operating in 34 States and Union Territories, offering services in 20 different languages. Since its launch in October 2022, the Tele-MANAS helpline has received over 4.7 lakh calls, handling more than 2000 calls daily. This expansion now extends services to those who serve in the Armed Forces, recognizing the importance of addressing mental health issues within this specific community.
