SRINAGAR: Nearly two years after introducing an online audio consultation service in Jammu and Kashmir, the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) launched an online video consultation service for patients with mental health challenges.
This initiative is part of the Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) programme.
An official at IMHANS Srinagar, said the service allows patients to consult trained professionals via video calls from the comfort of their homes. The video consultation system also includes a prescription generation feature, making it easier for patients to access and avail themselves of necessary treatments.
Patients can access the service by dialing 14416 between 10 am and 2 pm, Monday to Friday. Both male and female mental health experts are available for consultations, offering support to individuals struggling with mental health issues.
According to the official, the initiative is particularly beneficial for individuals hesitant to seek treatment due to the stigma surrounding mental health. “These facilities aim to bridge the gap for those avoiding treatment because of stigma or other barriers,” the official explained.
The official said that the number of patients seeking mental health treatment represents just the “tip of the iceberg.” He emphasised the program’s potential to reach a broader population, especially during winter months when blocked roads prevent patients in remote and far-flung areas from accessing healthcare facilities. “This service offers them the opportunity to receive treatment from their homes,” he added. (KNO)
