The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has provided an update on the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP), highlighting significant strides in expanding mental health services across India. 

As of April 1, 2025, a total of 36 States and Union Territories have established 53 Tele MANAS Cells, offering round-the-clock tele-mental health services in 20 languages as per regional preferences. The helpline has handled over 20,05,000 calls, reflecting the increasing need for accessible mental health support nationwide.

Launched on October 10, 2022, the NTMHP functions as the digital extension of the District Mental Health Programme. The primary objective of this initiative is to ensure universal access to equitable, affordable, and high-quality mental health care. By providing 24×7 tele-mental health counseling services through the toll-free helpline number 14416, the programme aims to reach every individual seeking support, regardless of location.

A major milestone in this initiative was the launch of the Tele MANAS Mobile Application on World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2024. This comprehensive platform has been designed to provide assistance ranging from general mental well-being to severe mental disorders. Over the past three years, the government has allocated more than Rs. 230 crore to support the expansion and operation of the NTMHP.

In addition to these efforts, a dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell has been set up at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune. This facility is specifically aimed at providing mental health assistance to Armed Forces personnel and their dependents, ensuring their well-being and access to quality mental healthcare.

The government is also integrating mental health services into primary healthcare through its Ayushman Arogya Mandirs initiative. More than 1.75 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been upgraded under this scheme, with mental health services included in the package of Comprehensive Primary Health Care.

Furthermore, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), implemented under the National Mental Health Programme, is operational in 767 districts across the country. This initiative focuses on early detection, management, and treatment of mental illnesses at the district hospital level. The DMHP extends its services to Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs), offering outpatient care, counseling, psycho-social interventions, continuous support for severe mental disorders, medication, outreach services, and ambulance facilities.