Overview:
In a key milestone for public health, Anekal Primary Health Centre (PHC) became the latest site to adopt the eMaanasi platform, aimed at improving access to mental healthcare at the grassroots.
Key Meeting Highlights:
On May 20, 2023, a multi-stakeholder meeting was held at Anekal PHC with:
- Dr. Rajani, Deputy Director of Mental Health
- Dr. Ravi, Taluk Health Officer
- Dr. Manohari, Retd. Head of Psychiatry, St. John’s Hospital
- Dr. Neetha Reddy, Medical Officer, DMH
- Mr. Shiva Prasad, Anekal PHC Coordinator
- Rtn. FR Singhvi and Rtn. Ramesh Bulchandani, Rotary Midtown
The team reaffirmed their commitment to rolling out eMaanasi at Anekal PHC, aiming to make digitized screening, follow-up, and psychiatric referral a standard part of care.
Strategic Initiatives Underway:
- Training Program: Led by Dr. Manohari with DMH support to onboard healthcare staff into the eMaanasi system.
- ASHA Worker Incentives: ₹50 per mental health case to be paid to 17 ASHA workers managing screenings and follow-ups.
- Rehabilitation Space: Dedicated PHC space approved for physical and developmental rehab of adults and children.
- Transport Support: Sansera Foundation vehicle offered for ASHA mobility between remote villages..
Strengthening Community Reach:
- Matruchaitamya (Perinatal Screening): Included in eMaanasi survey tool to track maternal mental health.
- Medicine Stock Assurance: Jana Awshadi pharmacy to replenish key psychiatric medications; logistics supported by Rotary Bangalore Midtown.
Looking Ahead
This Anekal rollout represents a bold step toward state-aligned, community-owned digital mental health care. If successful, the model can be replicated across Karnataka to support other PHCs under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP).
