Tele-MANAS and clinics to strengthen mental health services in Maharashtra, says Abitkar

Mumbai: State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said several initiatives are under way in Maharashtra to take mental health awareness, counselling and treatment services easily to people. According to him, the government wants to change the way mental health problems are viewed and ensure people get help at the right time.

The Public Health Department is focusing on strengthening the network of mental health services through the Tele-MANAS helpline, Manshakti clinics, memory disorder clinics and psychosocial rehabilitation services.

On World Mental Health Day (October 10), the messages of 'Manjagruti' and 'Mansamvad' are being spread across the state. This year's global theme is about listening to those who have experienced mental health problems themselves and using that to bring positive change. It is not enough merely to listen to people struggling with mental health problems; their experiences must also find a place in services and decision-making.

Tele-MANAS is a national helpline that runs round the clock. It can offer guidance on stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health problems. According to information available, the service received more than 3.27 lakh calls in the state from 2022-23 to April 2026. As people can reach it by phone, the importance of the service has grown. The Tele-MANAS helpline number is 14416.

To make mental health services available close to people, the emphasis is on providing them through Manshakti clinics at the primary health centre level. Mental health problems can be identified early here, and counselling and treatment given, with referrals to further medical services when needed. Efforts are also being made for the rehabilitation of people going through mental health problems and for their reintegration into society.

Special OPD services are being provided at memory disorder clinics for the examination and treatment of memory-related problems in old age. According to information available, around 45,000 or more people benefit from these clinics every year. These services are described as playing an important role in getting guidance and necessary medical help for elderly people struggling with memory disorders and their families.

Voluntary organisations are also being brought in alongside the government. Awareness, counselling and community-level support efforts are under way with the help of organisations such as the Aditya Birla Education Trust, Eklavya Foundation and Shraddha Foundation. The aim is to make mental health services more effective through coordination among the government, health workers, voluntary organisations and society.

Removing the misconceptions and stigma around mental health problems is the need of the hour. The 'Manjagruti' message appeals for sensitively listening to such people, while the 'Mansamvad: Bolein, Sunein, Samjhein' (speak, listen, understand) initiative appeals for open conversation about mental health.

Under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, it is essential to protect the rights, dignity and confidentiality of people with mental illness. Abitkar appealed to people not to ignore mental health problems, to seek help at the right time and to support those in need. He said citizens should also come forward to build an aware, sensitive and stigma-free society.