To address the huge burden of mental disorders and shortage of qualified professionals in the field of mental health, the Government of India has been implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) since 1982. Burden of Disease Psychiatric symptoms are common in general population in both sides of the globe. These symptoms – worry, tiredness, and sleepless nights affect more than half of the adults at some time, while as many as one person in seven experiences some form of diagnosable neurotic disorder. India contributes to 18% of the global population. WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population; the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100000 population is 21.1. The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion. The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 by NIMHANS found that 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders. The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in India is 13.7%. National studies reveal that 15% of India’s adult population experiences mental health issues requiring intervention. Urban areas have a higher prevalence (13.5%) compared to rural (6.9%). 70% to 92% of people with mental disorders do not receive proper treatment due to lack of awareness, stigma, and shortage of professionals. According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, whereas WHO recommends at least 3 per 100,000. Programme The Government of India has launched the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982, keeping in view the heavy burden of mental illness in the community, and the absolute inadequacy of mental health care infrastructure in the country to deal with it. The District Mental Health Program (DMHP) was added to NMHP in 1996. The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) covers 743 districts of the country. Advocating the use of digital tools for improving the efficiency and outcome of the healthcare system, particularly in the domain of mental health care, the National Tele Mental Health Programme, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele M A N A S ) was launched on 10 October 2022. 2022 in the Objectives To ensure the availability and accessibility of minimum mental healthcare for all in the foreseeable future, particularly to the most vulnerable and underprivileged sections of the population To encourage the application of mental health knowledge in general healthcare and in social development To promote community participation in the mental health service development To enhance human resource in mental health sub-specialties District Mental Health Programme Components Early detection & treatment. Training: imparting short term training to general physicians for diagnosis and treatment of common mental illnesses with limited number of drugs under guidance of specialist. The Health workers are being trained in identifying mentally ill persons. IEC: Public awareness generation. Monitoring: the purpose is for simple Record Keeping. Tertiary Care Component of NMHP The NMHP was re-strategized in 2003 to include two schemes, viz. Modernization of State Mental Hospitals and Up-gradation of Psychiatric Wings of Medical Colleges/General Hospitals. The Manpower development scheme (Scheme-A & B) became part of the Program in 2009. National Tele Mental Health Programme The Government of India in its Union Budget 2022, announced the National Tele Mental Health Programme of India, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) and entrusted the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to guide its overall implementation. Aims and objectives of Tele MANAS: To provide universal access to equitable, accessible, affordable and quality mental health care through 24X7 tele-mental health services as a digital component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) across all Indian States and UTs with assured linkages. To exponentially scale up the reach of mental health services to anybody who reaches out, across India, any time, by setting up a 24x7 tele-mental health facility in each of the States and UTs of the country. To implement a full-fledged mental health-service network that, in addition to counselling, provides integrated medical and psychosocial interventions including video consultations with mental health specialists, e-prescriptions, follow-up services and linkages to in-person services. To extend services to vulnerable groups of the population and difficult to reach populations. The public can access the Tele MANAS helpline by dialing toll-free helpline number 1800-89-14416 or short code 14416. Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, was enacted to ensure the right to mental healthcare services, protect the dignity and rights of individuals with mental illness, and align India’s mental health laws with international standards, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Act replaced the Mental Health Act of 1987 and introduced several progressive changes to mental health care and services in India like the Right to affordable and quality mental healthcare services and the decriminalization of suicide in India. Source: https://dghs.mohfw.gov.in