- The Union Health Ministry is observing World Mental Health Day 2026 to reinforce its dedication to accessible, inclusive, and people-centred mental healthcare. - Focus is laid on leveraging digital health initiatives like Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) to bridge gaps in mental healthcare delivery. - Emphasizes destigmatization, community-based care, and integration of mental health services into primary healthcare systems. - **Tele-MANAS:** India's flagship digital mental health initiative providing free, round-the-clock counselling and networking services across states through a toll-free helpline network. - **National Mental Health Programme:** A comprehensive national strategy launched by India in 1982 to ensure the availability and accessibility of minimum mental healthcare for all, integrated with primary healthcare. - **Union Health Ministry:** The central government ministry responsible for formulating national health policies, schemes, and coordinating healthcare delivery across Indian states and union territories. **Introduction** The Union Health Ministry observes World Mental Health Day 2026, highlighting India's commitments and strides in making mental healthcare accessible, inclusive, and people-centred through initiatives like Tele-MANAS and primary healthcare integration. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The Union Health Ministry is observing World Mental Health Day 2026 to reinforce its dedication to accessible, inclusive, and people-centred mental healthcare. - Focus is laid on leveraging digital health initiatives like Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) to bridge gaps in mental healthcare delivery. - Emphasizes destigmatization, community-based care, and integration of mental health services into primary healthcare systems. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Tele-MANAS:** India's flagship digital mental health initiative providing free, round-the-clock counselling and networking services across states through a toll-free helpline network. - **National Mental Health Programme:** A comprehensive national strategy launched by India in 1982 to ensure the availability and accessibility of minimum mental healthcare for all, integrated with primary healthcare. - **Union Health Ministry:** The central government ministry responsible for formulating national health policies, schemes, and coordinating healthcare delivery across Indian states and union territories.