Tele-MANAS - UPSC
Tele-MANAS aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas.
It’s an initiative of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
NIMHANS will be the nodal centre while National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHRSC), IIT Bengaluru and IIITB will provide technology support.
The services will be available 24×7 on Toll Free Number– 14416, allowing callers to select the language of choice for availing services.
At least One Tele-MANAS Cell to be established in each State/UT.
Tele-MANAS 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 and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio visual consultation.
Presently there are 5 regional coordination centres along with 51 State/UT Tele MANAS cells.
The initial rollout providing basic support and counselling through centralized Interactive Voice Response system (IVRS) is being customized for use across all States and UTs.
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.
Eventually, this will include the entire spectrum of mental wellness and illness, and integrate all systems that provide mental health care.
Mental Health in India
Data Analysis: A report published in The Lancet Psychiatry in February 2020 indicates that in 2017, there were 197.3 million people with mental disorders in India.
The top mental illnesses were depressive disorder (45.7 million) and anxiety disorder (44.9 million).
The contribution of mental disorders to the total Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in India increased from 2.5% in 1990 to 4.7% in 2017.
Depressive disorder and anxiety disorder contributed the most to the total mental disorders DALYs.
DALYs: The burden of disability associated with a disease or disorder can be measured in units called DALYs.
DALYs represent the total number of years lost to illness, disability, or premature death within a given population.
Other Indian Initiatives to Improve Mental Health
1.The Mental Health Care Act (MHCA) 2017
The Mental Health Care Act (MHCA) 2017 came into force in 2018 to meet the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which India ratified in 2007.
2. KIRAN
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a 24/7 toll-free helpline to provide support to people facing anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts and other mental health concerns.
3. Manodarpan Initiative
Manodarpan is an initiative of the Ministry of Education under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
It is aimed to provide psychosocial support to students, family members and teachers for their mental health and well-being during the times of Covid-19.
4. NIMHANS RAAH APP
It is a one-stop source of data on mental health centres and professionals. It is developed by the NIMHANS.
0 Comments