2 hrs ago

Punjab Strengthens Mental Health Authority With 11 New Members

Punjab expands mental health authority with 11 non-official members · livemint.com

Punjab has added 11 people from outside the government to its mental health authority.

They include doctors, nurses, social workers, patients, caregivers and nonprofit groups.

This means more people with different experiences can help shape mental health services.

The authority checks whether mental health care follows the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.

It also helps set service standards and register certain professionals.

The government says the change should make services more accountable and respectful.

It is part of Punjab’s wider effort to expand mental health and de-addiction services.

The authority was expected to hold its first meeting with the new members the following week.

Key facts

New members: 11 non-official members were nominated.
Representation: Members include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric social workers, nurses, people with mental illness, caregivers and NGOs.
Legal framework: The authority oversees implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
Core functions: It prescribes quality and service standards, registers specified mental health professionals and advises the government on policy.
Related initiative: The appointments form part of Punjab’s expansion of mental health and de-addiction services under Yudh Nasehan Virudh.
District oversight: Mental Health Review Boards review admissions, treatment decisions, complaints, alleged rights violations and other matters.
First meeting: The authority’s first meeting with the nominated members was expected in the following week.

livemint.com · 3 hrs ago