Over 74,000 audio calls received since 2022
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Jan 10: In a giant leap toward making mental health support more accessible in J&K, the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) has introduced online video consultations, leveraging the existing Tele-MANAS platform.
Officials told ‘Excelsior’ that the video consultation service will function as a mental health OPD, complete with prescription generation, thereby elevating the existing Tele-MANAS Centre to a new level.
Prof. Arshad Hussain from GMC Srinagar’s Department of Psychiatry explained that the initiative aims to ensure better and more effective access to mental health support for people in need, particularly those cut off during the winter months.
“Help is now just a call away, available round the clock. This marks a giant leap to video mode after receiving over 70,000 calls through voice mode. Our goal is to extend mental health support to populations that remain disconnected for months,” he said.
To connect with mental health experts, individuals in need can dial the toll-free number 14416 and request a video consultation.
The Tele-MANAS Centre at GMC, Srinagar-now managing video consultations-operates with a three-tier system.
The first tier consists of psychologists who address calls from individuals dealing with depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, exam-related stress, and other mental health concerns.
Officials noted that a typical session lasts about 30 minutes, although longer sessions are accommodated when necessary. If a caller requires psychiatric advice, counsellors transfer the call to an on-call psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. Since its launch in 2022, Tele-MANAS has received over 74,000 calls across J&K, one of the highest numbers in the country, including 62,729 user-initiated calls and 11,254 Tele-MANAS-initiated calls.
Notably, more than 3,000 crisis interventions have been conducted for individuals with self-harm ideation.
Dr. Arshad emphasized that video consultations could be a game-changer for mental health in J&K, catering to those in need who cannot afford care.
He added that the demand for such services is significant.
It is worth noting that the Government of India launched the National Tele-Mental Health Program (NTMHP) to address psychological disorders associated with COVID-19 and to enhance overall mental health.
The program involved establishing 23 tele-mental health centers of excellence across the country to serve its diverse population.
In 2023, the renowned research journal ‘The Lancet’ published a paper on Kashmir’s telepsychiatry efforts.
Under the NTMHP, Tele-MANAS provides free, round-the-clock telepsychiatry services through the Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Nationally Actionable Plan through States (Tele-MANAS) and a mobile app called ‘MANAS Mitra.’
Officials highlighted that the high volume of audio calls demonstrates not only the significant demand for mental health services but also public acceptance of Tele-MANAS.
The introduction of video consultations is expected to deliver cost-effective and comprehensive mental health services to underserved populations in the region, addressing a historically neglected area in J&K.
Doctors emphasized the dual impact of the Tele-Mental Health Service.
Quantitatively, they said, 74,000 people have sought mental health support, making it the second-highest number in the country and showcasing the “service’s societal acceptance.”
Follow our WhatsApp channel
