Meghalaya government today launched a toll-free mental health helpline number, 14410 designed to increase access to affordable and quality mental health services in the State.
The number will be operational from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays from Monday to Friday. Callers can select the language of their choice (Khasi, Garo, Pnar, Hindi, or English) to avail its service.
About 50 counsellors from various districts will be connected through the helpline. Eventually, the helpline will be available 24X7 and integrated with the Centre’s Tele-MANAS Network (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States).
Mental health specialists like psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, and psychologists will be available and if a caller requires an in-person service, he/she will be referred to a health and wellness centre or primary healthcare or tertiary healthcare.
“A proud moment for us all, a month after coming up with the State Mental Health policy, we are able to follow it up with the introduction of this Mental Health Helpline, which is crucial for providing mental health assistance to those in need in a timely manner,” Health Minister James K Sangma said at the launch.
Earlier in December, Meghalaya became the first state in the North-east and third in the country to come up with its own Mental Health and Social Care Policy with the vision to promote overall mental health and well-being and facilitate appropriate access and care pathways for common and severe mental health concerns. It aims to reduce the extent of disability, morbidity, mortality and social suffering.
