National Mental Health Helpline Handles Nearly 30 Lakh Calls Since Launch: Govt

The helpline, known as Tele MANAS (1800-89-14416), offers services in 20 languages, tailored to state preferences.

The National Tele Mental Health Programme, launched on October 10, 2022, has handled close to 30 lakh calls, averaging nearly two calls per minute, government data presented in Parliament on Wednesday showed.

Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, stated in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha that the programme aims to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services across India.

The helpline, known as Tele MANAS (1800-89-14416), offers services in 20 languages, tailored to state preferences. “More than 29,82,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number,” Rai noted while responding to a query on the country’s suicide rate and related government measures.

In addition to the helpline, the government introduced a Tele MANAS mobile application on World Mental Health Day in 2024. Initially providing audio-based support, the app now includes video consultations, offering a comprehensive platform for mental health counselling.

The programme reflects the government’s effort to broaden access to mental health services nationwide, catering to linguistic diversity and expanding digital reach through the mobile platform.

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