Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jan 14: Around two years after launching an online audio consultation service in Jammu and Kashmir, the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) has introduced an online video consultation service for patients dealing with mental health issues.
This initiative is part of the Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) program.
An official at IMHANS Srinagar speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the facility enables patients to consult trained professionals via video calls from the comfort of their homes. The video consultation system is also equipped with a prescription generation feature, allowing patients with mental health challenges to seek and avail of necessary treatment conveniently.
Patients can access this service by dialling 14416 between 10 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday, every week, the official said, adding that both male and female mental health experts are available for video consultations, and those struggling with mental health issues can benefit from this service.
The official said the initiative is particularly beneficial for those hesitant to seek treatment due to the social stigma associated with mental health issues. “Such facilities aim to bridge the gap for those avoiding treatment due to stigma or other barriers,” he said.
He said that the number of patients seeking mental health treatment is just the “tip of the iceberg” and the initiative aims to reach a broader population. “During winter, patients from remote and far-flung areas often cannot visit healthcare facilities due to blocked roads. This service offers them the opportunity to access treatment from their homes,” he added.
Notably, the UT-level Tele-MANAS cell, established at IMHANS Srinagar, receives dozens of calls daily. This mental health helpline, launched on November 4, 2022, is the first-of-its-kind in the region. It operates on a three-tier system, involving mental health counsellors, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists, providing consultations round the clock.
So far, around 75,000 calls have been received through Tele-MANAS, addressing issues such as stress, drug addiction, suicidal tendencies and anxiety. (KNO)
