A series of new interventions at the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (IMHANS) Srinagar have emerged as critical resources for mental health patients across Kashmir, providing much-needed support to those facing challenges in physically accessing hospitals.
Two years after the launch of the Tele-MANAS Centre at IMHANS, it has become a lifeline for patients unable to visit hospitals, transforming mental health care in the region. The centre, established on November 4, 2022, is part of the National Tele-Mental Health Program (NTMHP), launched by the Government of India to bridge the gap in mental health services.
Dr. Mohd Abrar, Senior Consultant at Tele-MANAS, Kashmir, highlighted the service’s impact: “We have handled over 55,000 calls, addressing a spectrum of issues such as severe distress, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders.” He added that Tele-MANAS is pivotal due to its accessibility, affordability, and ability to reduce the stigma associated with seeking psychiatric support.
With a toll-free number (14416), Tele-MANAS provides immediate, professional help 24/7, offering trained psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and counsellors through audio tele-networking. In cases requiring further care, patients are referred to locally available government-run mental health centres.
Jammu and Kashmir has faced a profound mental health crisis, with significant portions of the population affected by depression, anxiety, and severe psychiatric conditions. While mental health services in the region, especially in rural and underserved areas, have historically been limited, Tele-MANAS has made mental health care more accessible.
IMHANS Srinagar, the valley’s largest tertiary care facility for psychiatric care, has also upgraded its services, achieving several milestones. The Child Guidance and Wellbeing Center (CGWC) at IMHANS has proven to be another beacon of hope, especially for children dealing with mental health issues.
In the past year, the Child Psychiatry Department at CGWC-IMHANS managed over 3,000 new cases, with 9,000 follow-up visits, underscoring its critical role. Prof. Dr. Zaid Wani, Head of the Child Psychiatry Department, emphasized the department’s key accomplishments, which include mental health awareness campaigns in all WAQF-run schools and a blanket ban on corporal punishment through a partnership with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK).
In addition, capacity-building workshops focusing on positive discipline were conducted across 10 districts. “We have trained 3,787 individuals, including frontline workers, paediatricians, ASHA workers, and teachers,” said Dr. Wani.
Syed Mujtaba, mental health advocate and Coordinator at CGWC IMHANS, highlighted the centre’s continuous efforts in child mental health, which are making a lasting impact. “Our efforts are not just through clinical care but by empowering educators and healthcare professionals across the region with capacity-building programs and system-based awareness,” he said.
Mujtaba also noted that the CGWC unit has made significant strides in research, contributing to the prestigious Lancet Psychiatry Commission and a national paper on Mental Health Regulation. “These achievements underline our commitment to shaping mental health policy and practice at both national and international levels,” he said.
IMHANS has also expanded mental health services for senior citizens, restarting consultations at SMHS Hospital Srinagar. Dr. Junaid Nabi, Associate Professor and Incharge of the Geriatric Unit at IMHANS, shared insights into the growing concerns around geriatric mental health.
“In the last year, our unit has registered approximately 430 new patients, with over 1,000 follow-up visits. A significant portion of these individuals, roughly 15-25 percent, presented with symptoms of cognitive decline, including dementia and memory impairment,” Dr. Junaid said.
He added that 20 percent of the patients experienced mood disorders, primarily depression and anxiety, which often co-exist in older adults due to biological and psychosocial stressors. Additionally, around 5 percent of the elderly patients had a history of abuse, including physical, financial, and emotional abuse, highlighting their vulnerability to neglect and exploitation.
“This data emphasizes the need for holistic and multidisciplinary approaches in treating the elderly, addressing not only their physical health but also their psychological and social challenges,” Dr. Junaid said.
IMHANS Srinagar’s expanded efforts in mental health care, particularly through initiatives like Tele-MANAS and its focus on child and geriatric care, are making significant strides in addressing the region’s mental health crisis.
