Dr. VK Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, inaugurated a crucial two-day National Workshop on Mental Health with the objective of bringing together senior officers from all states and mentoring institutes for TeleMANAS. This initiative aims to address mental health issues in the nation, marking a significant stride in fortifying India’s mental health infrastructure. Dr. Paul also announced the integration of TeleMANAS and the KIRAN Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline.
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Since its launch in September 2020 alongside TeleManas, the KIRAN Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline has assisted over 1,27,390 callers, as reported by the Ministry of Health. Tele-Manas, launched on October 10, 2022, has processed 6,75,000 calls since World Mental Health Day, with a notable surge in service seekers. NITI Aayog The government, with the goal of optimizing resources and enhancing service quality, plans to smoothly merge the two helplines by creating public awareness.
Dr. Paul emphasized the need for a “Jan Andolan” (people’s movement) where the public, NGOs, and the government collectively raise awareness about mental health issues. He urged everyone to unite for mental health through this movement, stating that a collaborative effort is essential for success.
The workshop, according to Dr. Paul, will play a pivotal role in identifying strategies to address mental health concerns through the nation’s network of advanced primary healthcare facilities, the Ayushman Aarogya Mandir. He highlighted the significance of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir’s robust structure in reaching every corner of the country.
Dr. Rajesh Aggarwal suggested creative approaches, including special education and appropriate care, to address mental health concerns in children. Three handbooks were released during the event: the Central Mental Health Authority’s Training Manual for Mental Healthcare Professionals, the Manual for Caregivers and Reference, and the Training Manual for Implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
These guides aim to assist legal aid suppliers, NITI Aayog mental health practitioners, and caregivers in navigating the complexities of the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, offering comprehensive guidance on legal regulations surrounding mental health care in India.
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