Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS), an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, was launched on the occasion of World Mental Health Day virtually by Shri. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, in the presence of Dr. K. Sudhakar, Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education, Karnataka & Vice-President, NIMHANS on October 10, 2022.

A toll-free, 24/7 national helpline number (1-800-89-14416 or short code 14416) has been set up allowing callers across the country to avail services in the language of their choice. The calls would be routed to mental health counsellors of the Tele-MANAS cells that are being set up by the respective states and union territories.

NIMHANS is the nodal centre for this initiative, with International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB) providing technology support, and National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) providing health systems support.

Tele-MANAS platform and services will be integrated with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and other services like e-Sanjeevani, the National tele-consultation service, as well as in-person consultations with mental health professionals, Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centres and emergency psychiatric facilities.

Design and implementation of the technology platform is anchored by E-Health Research Center, IIIT Bangalore.