Page 41 - Insurance Times May 2024

Figure 2b: Tele MANAS Calling Mechanism high touch human network are discussed below. (Refer figure
3 below)

A. Two Tier Based System
Figure 3: Two Tier Based System of Tele
MANAS

Source: https://telemanas.mohfw.gov.in/
Source: Authors
Objectives of Tele MANAS

To set-up 24/7 tele mental health facility in each state At the State/UT level, the Tele MANAS cells will function as
and UT of India, in order to significantly broaden access a functional unit of Tele MANAS. Primarily on the state/UT
to mental health services for anyone who needs them. population and complying to the standard of one state cell
To offer service to population that are hard to reach for every five crore population, a total of 51 State/UT Tele
and who belong to vulnerable sections of the population. MANAS cells will be established. These states are divided
It will support as an online component of the National into two groups according to the population of the state.
Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and offer 24X7 tele- Category 1. Greater Tele MANAS cells created for States/
mental health counselling services as a means of UTs with a population of at least 20 lakhs will fall under this.
providing "fair, readily available, reasonably priced, and Category 2 smaller Tele MANAS cells in states with a
high-quality mental health care to all Indian States and population of less than 20 lakhs will fall under this.
Union Territories (UTs) with guaranteed linkages".
B. Centralised Communication
To build a comprehensive mental health service network
that offers integrated medical and psychosocial i. National Apex Nodal Centre: They have created a
interventions, such as video consultations with mental throughout communication plan that includes the main
health professionals, e-prescriptions, additional services, point of emphasis, goal, and target audience. It uses
and connections to in-person resources, in addition to both the digital and traditional media platform to
traditional counselling. spread knowledge across country.

Communication Framework of Tele C. Regional Coordinating centres and State Cells
MANAS i. Regional Coordinating Centres: They work together
with NIMHANS to adapt communication resources to
Through this program, counselling services would be made localized situations. They participate in local media to
available to people with mental health issues, as well as to spread messages and connect with range of
their family members and caregivers, under a tier-based
demographics. Educate RCCs on effective
system. Tele MANAS is a Comprehensive Mental Health Care communication techniques during orientation sessions.
Service in India. It aims to be highly inclusive high tech and
high touch platform. ii. State Tele-MANAS cells: They translate communication
materials into the local tongue. They plan training
How does Tele MANAS Ensure a High sessions for community leaders, NGOs, and healthcare
professionals in your area. The current state health
Touch Mental Health Care? infrastructure uses the educational material such as
Main features of Tele MANAS that ensures healing through posters and pamphlets.

38 May 2024 The Insurance Times