Vishwajit Rane Strengthens Goa’s Mental Health Network Through Tele MANAS

Recognising that mental health is as vital as physical well-being, Vishwajit Rane, Minister for Health in Goa, has been championing a statewide effort to make mental health care accessible to every citizen. Through the Tele MANAS initiative, Goa has become one of India’s first states to ensure free, round-the-clock tele-counselling and emotional support for those in distress.

Tele MANAS: Bringing Help Closer to Every Goan

The Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) project aims to provide real-time, confidential mental health counselling through phone and online support. Under Rane’s leadership, Goa’s implementation ensures that even individuals in remote areas have access to professional guidance without stigma or delay.

Helplines are managed by trained counsellors and psychologists who respond with empathy, confidentiality, and expert care offering a lifeline to individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and emotional distress.

Empathy and Accessibility at the Core

Minister Vishwajit Rane emphasises that no one should suffer in silence. His department’s goal is to normalise conversations about mental health and encourage citizens to reach out for help. “Seeking support is not weakness it’s courage,” Rane often reiterates in public forums.

The Tele MANAS initiative has received a strong response from across Goa, especially from students, professionals, and senior citizens who benefit from timely support and counselling.

Integration with Goa’s Health Ecosystem

Tele MANAS is being integrated with existing public health services to ensure seamless referrals for those requiring clinical care. Hospitals, primary health centres, and wellness clinics are working together under Rane’s direction to ensure that mental health services complement physical health care in a unified system.

This holistic model ensures that Goa’s health network is not just reactive but preventive identifying early signs of distress and addressing them before they escalate.

A Cultural Shift in Public Health

Under Vishwajit Rane’s vision, Goa is witnessing a positive cultural shift where mental well-being is prioritised equally with physical health. Awareness programs, school counselling sessions, and workplace wellness initiatives are being planned in coordination with mental health professionals and NGOs.

The Health Department is also working to enhance digital outreach, ensuring that the Tele MANAS helpline is visible and accessible through public campaigns, hospitals, and educational institutions.

Towards a Mentally Stronger Goa

Goa’s commitment to mental health through Tele MANAS reflects its broader vision of inclusive, compassionate governance. As Vishwajit Rane continues to advocate for accessible and stigma-free care, the state is setting a benchmark in proactive health governance.

Together, with empathy, innovation, and awareness, Goa is building a society where mental wellness is not an afterthought it’s a shared priority.