Dehradun, May 6, 2025 – In a significant step toward strengthening mental health services in Uttarakhand, Swati S. Bhadauria, Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), visited the State Mental Health Institute (SMHI) in Selakui today. The visit was aimed at reviewing the progress of the State Tele-MANAS Cell under the National Tele Mental Health Programme.
During her visit, the Mission Director held a detailed meeting with officials of the institute to evaluate the ongoing activities under the Tele-MANAS initiative. She emphasized the importance of accessible mental health services and described the program as a revolutionary effort that leverages digital platforms to provide quality counseling and psychological support, especially in remote areas.
“Tele-MANAS is a transformative step in making mental health services simpler and more accessible. It ensures that individuals in the farthest corners of the state can access professional support without stepping out of their homes,” Bhadauria said.
She instructed all concerned officers to work with dedication to enhance the effectiveness, sensitivity, and public utility of mental health services at every level. The Tele-MANAS facility, now operational at SMHI Selakui, offers free 24×7 counseling and consultation via phone to individuals suffering from psychological stress and mental health disorders.
The helpline ensures complete confidentiality for callers, providing them with a safe and private space to seek help. Citizens can access these services by dialing the toll-free numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416.
The Tele-MANAS initiative, launched nationally, aims to provide every citizen with confidential and easy access to mental health care. In addition to counseling, the service offers psychiatric consultations and referrals, as needed.
To assess the operational effectiveness of the system, the Mission Director also conducted a test call following the review meeting. The session was attended by several key stakeholders including Dr. Fariduzzafar (State Nodal Officer, National Mental Health Programme), Dr. Pratap Singh (CMS, Selakui), Dr. S.D. Burman (Joint Director, SMHA), along with Dr. Vinay Sharma, Dr. Rohit, and Dr. Vikram Rawat from AIIMS Rishikesh. Experts from NIMHANS and IIIT Bengaluru, including Dr. Madhuri and Jhumur, joined the meeting virtually.
The visit underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing mental well-being and ensuring no citizen is left behind when it comes to accessing timely psychological support.
