CHANDIGARH: The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has nominated 11 non-official members to the State Mental Health Authority (SMHA), giving fresh impetus to mental healthcare services in the state. This is a significant step towards protecting the rights of persons with mental illness in Punjab and a more accountable mental healthcare system in Punjab.
The strengthened SMHA will oversee the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and monitor, regulate, and improve mental health services in accordance with the Act. The move also assumes importance as the state expands its mental health and de-addiction services under its flagship, Yudh Nasehan Virudh.
The SMHA serves as the state’s apex statutory body for regulating mental health setup, prescribing quality and service standards, registering specified mental health professionals and advising the government on mental health policy.
As a mental health professional hailing from Patiala, he added, “Mental health services have now started to reach people where they are. For a state like Punjab, strengthening services at the district and community level is particularly important so that people have access to treatment for not only physical but also mental ailments. The Authority has the opportunity to realize this objective.”
