Ministry of Health and Defence Collaborate on Tele-MANAS for Armed Forces
Context:
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a dedicated Tele-MANAS cell for the armed forces.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Science and technology)
Project Details:
- The MoU facilitates collaboration between the MoHFW and MoD to operate a special cell of Tele-MANAS, the National Telemental Health Helpline, as a pilot project.
- This initiative will be based at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune and will run for two years. The special Tele-MANAS Cell was officially inaugurated on December 1, 2023, by the Chief of Defence Staff at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune.
Importance of the Initiative:
- The unique operational environment, cultural challenges, and specific stressors associated with regional conflicts necessitate a tailored approach to mental health care for the Armed Forces.
- This MoU aims to address the mental health and well-being of Armed Forces personnel and their families, providing them with direct access to specialized care that meets their unique needs promptly and effectively.
About Tele-MANAS:
- Tele-MANAS is a digital extension of the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), offering comprehensive, integrated, and inclusive tele-mental health services around the clock.
- The initiative features a toll-free number, 14416, available in each State and Union Territory, making mental health support easily accessible.
Current Operations:
- There are currently 51 operational Tele-MANAS cells across all 36 States and Union Territories, providing services in 20 languages. This wide-reaching network ensures that mental health support is available to a broad demographic, including the armed forces.
- This collaboration between the MoHFW and MoD signifies a significant step towards addressing the mental health needs of the Armed Forces, ensuring they receive the specialized support they require.
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