J&K launches India’s first chatbot for people in mental distress

Category : State Published on: July 10 2023

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The Tele-MANAS chatbot, the first of its kind in India, was introduced in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on July 5 in a key step towards enhancing mental health support.
This creative project attempts to offer fast help and chats to people who are in need.
The availability of professional psychologists, health counsellors, and consultants around-the-clock means that this chatbot will have a big impact on tackling mental health issues in the area.
With the advent of the Tele-MANAS chatbot, those in need will always have access to mental health care.
The Centre had in Budget 2022 announced the National Tele Mental Health Programme of India, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS).
Tele-MANAS is a two-tier system. Tier 1 comprises State Tele MANAS cells, which includes trained counsellors and mental health specialists.
Tier 2 comprises specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or eSanjeevani for audio visual consultation.