JP Nadda Launches Upgraded Tele MANAS App to Strengthen Mental Health Support

The enhanced Tele MANAS App now features a multilingual user interface, a chatbot for user engagement, and an emergency module offering guidance and support during crises.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda launched several new initiatives, including the upgraded Tele MANAS App for the National Tele Mental Health Programme, on World Mental Health Day in New Delhi.

The enhanced Tele MANAS App now features a multilingual user interface, a chatbot for user engagement, and an emergency module offering guidance and support during crises.

The app will be available in ten regional languages, in addition to English and Hindi.

Speaking at the launch, Nadda said India is committed to ensuring equitable, affordable, and inclusive access to mental health services. He said that with the new features, the government is strengthening its preparedness to respond effectively to mental health emergencies and expanding the reach of digital innovations across the country.

Highlighting Tele MANAS's impact, the Minister said the platform has handled around 28 lakh calls since its inception, with trained counsellors speaking more than 20 languages. He added that nearly 4,000 people reach out for support every day, demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness in addressing mental health concerns.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava noted that mental health is a special focus of this year’s United Nations theme and said that India’s digital initiatives, including Tele MANAS, are aligned to achieve universal health coverage.

Actress Deepika Padukone has been designated as the Mental Health Ambassador to raise awareness about access to mental health services.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News