Union Health Ministry to Observe World Mental Health Day 2026, Reaffirming Commitment to Accessible, Inclusive and People-Centred Mental Healthcare

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is observing World Mental Health Day 2026 under the global theme “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.” The government highlighted the performance of Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States), a toll-free helpline (14416) launched on October 10, 2022, which has received over 47.75 lakh calls through 53 operational cells across 36 States and Union Territories. Women accounted for nearly 44% of recorded caller profiles, and individuals aged 18–45 years formed 73.2% of recorded callers. Additionally, the initiative 'MANN Jaagriti' aims to enhance community awareness, while mental health services are being expanded via the District Mental Health Programme in 767 districts and integrated into over 1.83 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.