On October 10th, Uttar Pradesh received the third prize in recognition of its outstanding efforts in implementing Telemanas, a groundbreaking tele-technology-based mental health and counseling service. Dr. Pinky Joval, the Mission Director of the National Health Mission in Uttar Pradesh, accepted this prestigious award from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The honor symbolizes UP’s unwavering dedication to mental health and its invaluable services to the well-being of its residents.
National Tele Mental Health Programme’s Impact in Uttar Pradesh
Launched on October 10, 2022, coinciding with World Mental Health Day, the National Tele Mental Health Programme aimed to address the pressing need for a digital mental health network, ensuring 24/7 access to tele-mental health care services across the state, even in remote areas. The program acknowledges the exacerbated mental health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among children and adolescents. Additionally, it recognizes the role of excessive mobile phone usage in the rise of mental disorders and depression, emphasizing the necessity for accessible mental health support.
Telemanas: A Lifeline for Mental Health Support
Telemanas serves as a lifeline for individuals seeking mental health support, offering free services through the toll-free numbers 14416 and 1800-89-14416. It has been a beacon of hope for those grappling with mental health challenges, providing a professional channel for support, guidance, and counseling. This underscores the importance of seeking help and reinforces the notion that mental health is as vital as physical health.
UP’s Ongoing Commitment to Mental Health
Uttar Pradesh’s remarkable achievements in operationalizing Telemanas underscore its commitment to mental health care. The award from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlights the state’s dedication to enhancing mental health services and addressing the growing concerns related to children, adolescents, and mobile phone-related mental health issues. This award also signifies the state’s readiness to tackle future challenges, striving to become a leading state in tele-mental health care in the upcoming year.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Support
The National Tele Mental Health Programme, since its inception in UP, has made a significant impact, evident in the high call volumes at the national level. As it continues to grow and evolve, Telemanas holds the potential to provide critical mental health support to an even wider population, ensuring that no one faces mental health challenges in isolation.
Uttar Pradesh’s Commitment to Mental Health Care
The recognition and awards received by Uttar Pradesh for its efforts in operationalizing Telemanas underscore the state’s commitment to mental health care. As we move forward, it is imperative to continue supporting and expanding such programs to ensure that individuals facing mental health challenges have access to the help they need. With Telemanas, Uttar Pradesh sets an example that the rest of the country can follow in prioritizing mental health care.