NHRC Focuses on Empowering Mental Healthcare in Mizoram

The special expert for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has announced strengthening the Tele-MANAS helpline in Mizoram to help people with mental health difficulties. The meeting held on 24^th September by Independent NHRC expert Sayeed  Ahmed Baba in Champhai district in Mizoram also stressed the importance of psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors at district hospitals. He also called for effective counselling services for patients in OPDs and wards, with improved communication between patients and professionals.

The NHRC expert called for publicity of helpline numbers and timely counselling intervention besides infrastructure empowerment. Sayeed Ahmed Baba also emphasised creating dedicated wards to help with the treatment and care of people with mental health difficulties. In the year 2024-25, 18,992 out-patients and 2,228 in-patients in Mizoram were treated and saved because of timely detection and intervention. However, there is a rise in cases in the 2023-24 data regarding treatment of  9,708 out-patients and 2,867 in-patients with mental health challenges.

Human Rights Awareness

Sayeed Ahmed Baba also highly emphasised the protection and welfare of human rights in Mizoram, as well as de-addiction centres for youngsters. Mental Healthcare is defined as a universal and fundamental human right by the World Health Organisation.  In 2024-25, 418 home visits were conducted by officials to reduce stigma against mental health. In the same year, 845 crisis phone calls were made to the suicide helpline, while the Tele- MANAS helpline reportedly received 8,216 calls.

Dedicated Mental Health Infrastructure

The NHRC expert highlighted the need for special dedicated frameworks regarding mental healthcare in the region. It was strongly suggested to focus on providing more mental health experts and services for timely assistance. The government of Mizoram prioritises services aimed at improving mental health on its website.

• Mental health services, including prevention, promotion and long-term continued care, depending on the various district healthcare systems
• Strengthen infrastructure, equipment and human resources regarding mental healthcare
• Promote delivery of mental health services through community awareness and participation
• Integration of mental healthcare into other programs and services

ROLE of Tele-MANAS 

The Union Government created the national tele-mental health program, which is designed to provide easy access to reasonable, accessible and quality mental healthcare 24×7. This is done through tele-mental health counselling services across all states and union territories in India. The purpose is to provide healthy and timely mental healthcare to the public and to prevent tragic outcomes. It also aims to implement a network of mental health services and provide integrated medical and psychosocial interventions besides counselling. Other services include

• Video-consultation with mental health experts
• E-prescriptions and follow-up services
• In-person services especially for vulnerable and underprivileged communities

District Mental Health Program

The DMHP, launched in 1996 under the IX Five Year Plan, has been put into effect in the last couple of years to tackle prevalent challenges in mental healthcare in Mizoram. The attempts include activities aimed at community mobilisation and intervention. It also includes training, supply of medical drugs and equipment, mental health kits, free ambulance services for the underprivileged, monitoring and evaluation, operational experiences, home visits, free clinics, etc. 

Strengthening Mizoram’s Mental Healthcare 

The state has continually amplified its dedication to strengthening mental healthcare with weekly circulation of the digital bulletin in 2025-26. Staff of the District Mental Health Program (DMHP) also visit the central jail every month. All government OPD tickets have the Tele-MANAS logo imprinted. The state also focuses on training Mental Health Professionals, staff Nurses and Law Enforcement Agencies on Mental Health awareness and prevention. 

Conclusion

This audit and announcement by NHRC via its expert Sayeed Ahmed Baba highlights Mizoram’s intention to tackle and prevent mental health struggles. It also sheds a positive light on how individual states are doing their best to create awareness and safeguards against the rising mental health crisis. The move also highlights the larger impact of Tele-MANAS and its vital role in saving lives and preventing tragedies due to mental health negligence across India.