Context:
Jammu & Kashmir launched India’s first Tele-MANAS chatbot for people in mental distress as Kashmir saw the highest number of distress calls.
About Tele-MANAS:
- Aim: To provide free 24*7 tele-mental health services across country, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas.
- Launched on: World Mental Health Day (WMHD) – October 12, 2022
- Ministry – Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- 2 Tier System –
- Tier 1 – State Tele MANAS cells.
- Tier 2 – Specialists at Medical College or eSanjeevani for audio visual consultation.
- Nodal centre: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (NIMHANS), Bengaluru.
- Technical support: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bengaluru and National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHRSC)
- Target: To open at least 1 Tele-MANAS Cell in each State/UT.
- National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) was first announced in Union Budget 2022-23.
eSanjeevani is a doctor to doctor telemedicine system implemented under the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWCs) programme.
Source: The Hindu
