The National Tele-Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) in India has reached a significant milestone, receiving over 10 lakh calls on its Tele-MANAS toll-free number, averaging 3,500 calls per day, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Launched by the Government of India in October 2022 to enhance mental health service delivery nationwide, the programme operates 51 Tele-MANAS cells across all states and union territories.

The Tele MANAS toll-free helpline numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 offer multi-language support and have been pivotal in facilitating communication between callers and mental health professionals.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health reported a steady increase in the number of calls to the Tele MANAS helpline, attributed to growing awareness about mental health services in the country. In December 2022, the helpline received approximately 12,000 calls, which surged to over 1 million by May 2024.