Prime Highlights
- Tele-MANAS has handled 3.43 million calls across India.
- The programme is recognised as the world’s largest government-led tele-mental health initiative.
Key Facts
- Tele-MANAS is a free 24/7 multilingual mental health helpline.
- The service launched nationwide in October 2022 on World Mental Health Day.
Background
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry says India’s Tele-MANAS is the world’s largest government-funded tele-mental health programme. By March 2026, the project has provided 3.43 million calls by callers in all the states and union territories since it was created.
The GVT of India established the Tele-MANAS project in October 2022. It provides an anonymous free helpline available round the clock. Counselling is offered in more than 20 languages, and trained counsellors offer instant counselling. However, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists are responsible for taking care of more critical issues. Importantly, the program guarantees anonymity to its callers.
According to the research paper, most of the callers sought assistance with anxiety, depression, and stress. Suicidal thoughts prompted some people to call the helpline. In 2024, the World Health Organisation described the Tele-MANAS programme as a template for extending mental health services while working within the frame of reducing stigmatisation.
Mental health remains a significant issue in India. It is estimated that 10.6 per cent of adult Indians suffer from mental illnesses, but not everyone receives appropriate care. In addition, the country lacks enough psychiatrists compared to what the World Health Organisation recommends.
Tele-MANAS has been made possible due to increased use of smartphones and improved access to the internet in India. In the future, it could become even more successful if the Indian government ensures adequate funding, more mental health professionals, data protection, and good patient follow-up.
