Vishwajit Rane Emphasises Equal Priority for Mental Healthcare
Mental health has increasingly emerged as a critical public health priority, demanding policy attention, institutional commitment, and sustained societal engagement. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has consistently underscored the need to treat mental health with the same seriousness and urgency as physical health, emphasising that well-being is incomplete without psychological resilience and emotional support.
In recent years, changing social dynamics, economic pressures, and lifestyle shifts have heightened mental health challenges across age groups. Recognising this, the health department has sought to reposition mental healthcare from the margins of public discourse to the centre of healthcare planning and service delivery.
Tele MANAS: Expanding Access to Mental Health Support
A key pillar of this approach is the Tele MANAS initiative, a nationwide mental health helpline designed to provide immediate, confidential, and professional support to individuals in distress. Vishwajit Rane has highlighted Tele MANAS as a crucial instrument in bridging the gap between need and access, particularly for individuals in remote or underserved areas.
The initiative enables people to reach trained professionals without the fear of judgement or stigma, ensuring timely intervention. By offering guidance, counselling, and referrals, Tele MANAS functions as both a preventive and responsive mental health support mechanism.
Breaking Stigma Through Institutional Support
One of the persistent barriers to mental healthcare has been social stigma, which often discourages individuals from seeking help until conditions worsen. Vishwajit Rane has stressed that government-led initiatives must not only provide services but also actively work towards normalising conversations around mental health.
Tele MANAS, according to the Minister, plays a significant role in reshaping public perception by making mental health support visible, accessible, and routine. This approach helps reinforce the message that seeking help is a sign of awareness and strength, not hesitation or weakness.
Integration of Mental Health into Public Health Policy
Under Vishwajit Rane’s leadership, mental health has been increasingly integrated into broader public health planning. Rather than treating it as a standalone issue, the emphasis has been on embedding mental well-being into primary healthcare services, awareness campaigns, and community outreach programmes.
This integrated approach ensures early identification of mental health concerns and promotes continuity of care. It also aligns with global public health frameworks that recognise mental health as essential to economic productivity, social stability, and overall quality of life.
Focus on Empathy, Awareness, and Prevention
Beyond infrastructure and helplines, Vishwajit Rane has emphasised the importance of fostering a culture rooted in empathy and understanding. Public awareness, education, and community participation remain central to long-term mental health outcomes.
By encouraging open conversations and informed engagement, the health department aims to create an environment where individuals feel supported rather than isolated. Preventive care, awareness-building, and early intervention are being positioned as core elements of mental health governance.
Ensuring No One Is Left Unheard
At the heart of this approach is the principle that mental healthcare must be inclusive and accessible to all. Vishwajit Rane has reiterated that no individual should feel unheard, unsupported, or excluded due to geography, social barriers, or stigma.
Tele MANAS, along with complementary health initiatives, reflects a broader commitment to building a responsive and people-centric healthcare system. By prioritising mental health alongside physical health, the government aims to strengthen overall societal well-being and resilience.
