Budget 2022: National Tele Mental Health Programme Announced By FM

On Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the budget for the fiscal year 2022-23. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Centre will create a National Tele Mental Health initiative in response to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on mental health. The announcement is taken an attempt to increase awareness in the face of ongoing COVID-19 disruptions and growing mental issues.

The announcement came amid mounting scientific evidence of mental health consequences following the COVID-19 outbreak. Patients have reported worry and sadness throughout the epidemic,' in which recovered patients have brain fog and are unable to focus properly, as well as neurological problems.

According to FM Sitaraman's announcement, the National Tele Mental Health initiative would consist of a network of 23 Tele Mental Health Centers of Excellence. NIMHANS will serve as the main center for the mental health initiative, with IIT Bangalore providing technical assistance.

FM Sitharaman also announced the launch of an open platform for the national health ecosystem during her address. According to her, the digital ecosystem would include a comprehensive list of digital registers for health providers and facilities, a unique health identity, a consent framework, and universal access to health care services.