The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has accelerated the integration of mental health care across India. Key initiatives under the NMHP now cover 767 districts, primary health centres have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs , and a nationwide tele‑mental health network, Tele‑MANAS , has been operationalised. Key Developments District Mental Health Programme ( DMHP ) : Implemented in 767 districts with support from the NHM . Services include outpatient care, assessment, counseling, psycho‑social interventions, ambulance support, and a 10‑bed inpatient unit at the district level. Primary Care Integration : Over 1.77 lakh Sub‑Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs . Mental health is now part of the CPHC package, with dedicated guidelines and training manuals for MNS disorders. Tertiary Care Expansion : 25 Centres of Excellence sanctioned to boost postgraduate seats in mental health specialties and provide advanced treatment. Additionally, 19 government medical colleges have been supported to strengthen 47 PG departments. Institutional Infrastructure : India now has 47 government‑run mental hospitals , including three central institutes – National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro‑Sciences (Bengaluru) , Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health (Tezpur) , and Central Institute of Psychiatry (Ranchi) . All AIIMS also provide mental health services. National Tele Mental Health Programme ( NTMHP ) : Launched on 10 Oct 2022, operates a toll‑free number (14416) and a mobile app. As of 03 Mar 2026, 36 states/UTs have set up 53 Tele‑MANAS cells, delivering services in 20 languages. Over 34.34 lakh calls have been handled. Digital Platform : The Tele‑MANAS mobile application, launched on World Mental Health Day (10 Oct 2024), offers audio and video consultations, self‑help tools, and crisis support. Important Facts DMHP covers 767 districts, providing both outpatient and limited inpatient care. 1.77 lakh SHCs/PHCs upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs under CPHC . 25 Centres of Excellence and 47 PG departments now exist. Tele‑MANAS operates in 20 languages, handling >34 lakh calls. Three central mental health institutions and AIIMS provide tertiary services. UPSC Relevance Understanding the mental health ecosystem is essential for GS‑1 (Health) and GS‑3 (Social Justice, Welfare). The integration of mental health into primary care reflects the Ayushman Bharat vision of universal health coverage. The role of the NHM in financing DMHP illustrates centre‑state cooperation, a recurring theme in polity questions. Digital health initiatives like NTMHP and Tele‑MANAS are pertinent to questions on e‑governance and health technology. Way Forward Strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure quality of services at DMHP and primary level centres. Expand postgraduate seats further to address the shortage of mental health professionals. Enhance digital literacy and internet penetration to maximise the reach of Tele‑MANAS, especially in remote areas. Promote community‑based rehabilitation and stigma‑reduction campaigns to improve service utilisation.