Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Punjab Strengthens Mental Health Authority With 11 New Members
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.
The Punjab government nominated 11 non-official members to the State Mental Health Authority on September 17.
The members include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric social workers, nurses, people with mental illness, caregivers and NGOs.
The authority oversees implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, including service standards and professional registration.
The expanded body is intended to improve accountability, service quality, patients’ rights and community participation.
District Mental Health Review Boards separately review admissions, complaints, treatment decisions and alleged rights violations.
- Who
- The Punjab government and 11 nominated non-official members representing mental health professionals, patients, caregivers and NGOs.
- What
- Punjab expanded its State Mental Health Authority by adding 11 non-official members.
- When
- The nominations were announced on September 17; the first meeting was expected the following week.
- Where
- Punjab, India.
- Why
- To strengthen accountability, service quality, rights-based care and community participation in mental health services.
- 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.