New Delhi: In a first, to tackle post covid related complication among people in India, National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) has decided to implement the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) in 704 districts of the country.
To generate awareness among masses about mental illnesses, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities are an integral part of the NMHP.
At district level, sufficient funds are provided under the DMHP under the National Health Mission for IEC and awareness generation activities in the community, schools, workplaces and community at large, officials said.
The government will set up a 24/7 helpline to provide psychosocial support, by mental health professionals, to the entire affected population, divided into different target groups viz children, adult, elderly, women and healthcare workers.
Along with issuance of guidelines on management of mental health issues, catering to different segments of the society.
Advocacy through various media platforms in the form of creative and audio-visual materials on managing stress and anxiety, and promoting an environment of support and care for all.
Besides the above, the Government has announced a “National Tele Mental Health Programme” in the Budget of 2022-23, to further improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country.