“MANAS App” – A Mental-Health Digital platform

What is the News?

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has virtually launched the “MANAS” App.

About MANAS App:

• MANAS stands for Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation System. It is a comprehensive, scalable, and a national digital wellbeing platform. It has been developed to promote the mental well-being of Indian citizens.
• Nodal Agency: Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
• Developed by: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru, Armed Forces Medical College(AFMC), Pune, and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing(C-DAC) Bengaluru.
• Key Features:
  • Firstly, the platform integrates the health and wellness efforts of various government ministries.
  • Secondly, the application can be used for a person’s overall wellbeing and is supported by teleconsultation, especially for mental health-related problems.
  • Thirdly, there will also be health tracking and all data records will be maintained. It will help users during future consultations.
• Significance: The platform was endorsed as a national program by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).

About Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser(PSA):

• Setup in: Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) was set up in 1999 by the Cabinet Secretariat. It is currently a Secretary level position.
• Mandate: It is the chief advisor to the government on matters related to scientific policy. The policies focus on critical infrastructure, economic and social sectors.

About PM-STIAC:

• PM-STIAC is an overarching council. The Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) is the chairman of the council.
• Functions: The council perform functions such as,
  • Assess the status of specific S&T domains
  • Comprehend challenges in S&T domains
  • Formulates immediate, mid, and long term interventions and
  • presents a roadmap to the Prime Minister.

Source: PIB