ITANAGAR, May 25: Health and Family Welfare Minister Aalo Libang has launched the State Tele-MANAS Cell at Mental Hospital, Midpu (Doimukh) on Wednesday in presence of local MLA Tana Hali Tara, Health Services Director Dr M Lego and other officials.
The Tele-MANAS (Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) initiative aims to provide free tele-mental healthcare services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas. The programme includes a network of 23 tele-mental health centres of excellence, with NIMHANS being the nodal centre.
A toll-free 24x7 helpline number (14416) has been set up across the country allowing callers to select the language of choice for availing services. Service is also accessible with 1-800-91-4416. The calls would be routed to Tele-MANAS cells in the respective state and union territory.
Speaking on the occasion, Libang said that mental health issues are serious and need immediate and effective psychological and medical interventions.
“There has been a massive surge in the mental health cases after the COVID-19 pandemic. Tele-MANAS Cell aspires to provide 24x7 online counselling to the youths and public on any mental health issues. It is being manned by a counsellor, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist and the Toll free no 14416 has been made functional,” the Minister said.
He further spoke about protecting the hospital compound from encroachers and appealed the public to refrain from encroachments, besides assuring to look into the matter for approval of a boundary wall for the hospital for its protection.
The 30-bedded hospital currently has nine indoor patients. At an average, 8-9 patients receive treatment as outdoor patients daily. (With DIPRO inputs)