Health & Defence Ministries Launch Tele MANAS Cell for Armed Forces Mental Health

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th June. The Ministry of Health and 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. This collaborative effort aims to provide specialized mental health assistance to all Armed Forces beneficiaries across the country.

The MoU, signed by Ms. Aradhna Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of MoHFW, and Lt General Daljit Singh, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, paves the way for the operation of a special Tele MANAS cell as a pilot project at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune for a period of two years.

The inauguration of the special Tele-MANAS Cell took place on December 1, 2023, at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, with Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, presiding over the ceremony alongside senior officials from MoHFW.

Recognizing the unique stressors faced by military personnel, including operational environments and cultural challenges, the need for specialized tele-mental health services within the Armed Forces has become increasingly apparent. With the establishment of the dedicated Tele MANAS cell, armed forces personnel and their families will have access to round-the-clock mental health assistance, tailored to their specific needs.

Lt General Daljit Singh highlighted the long-standing need for mental health counseling for armed forces personnel, expressing confidence that the Tele MANAS cell will address their mental health concerns effectively.

Ms. Aradhna Patnaik emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health needs of the armed forces comprehensively, considering their distinct requirements.

Tele MANAS, an extension of the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), offers inclusive 24/7 tele-mental health services through a toll-free number (14416) in each State and Union Territory. Currently, 51 operational Tele MANAS cells across all 36 States and UTs cater to callers in 20 different languages. Since its launch in October 2022, Tele MANAS has received over 10 lakh calls, demonstrating a significant demand for mental health services.

Dr. K K Tripathy, Economic Advisor; Air Marshal Sadhna Saxena Nair, VSM, Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces); Maj General Dharmesh, Additional Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (Medical Research, Health and Training); Col Subhadeep Ghosh, VSM, Director Armed Forces Medical Services (Health), and senior officers from both ministries graced the event with their presence.