Archive · 2 Jun 2025
Punjab Races to Enforce Mental Healthcare Act After Court Order
The Punjab government is under pressure to improve mental healthcare.
They've been told by the high court to quickly put the Mental Healthcare Act into action within 60 days.
This includes changing how drug addiction is viewed, treating it like a health problem instead of a crime.
The government is working on new rules and consulting with experts.
The Indian Psychiatric Society wants the state to use modern treatments and have mental health boards oversee care.
The court is expecting a report on the progress by July 24.
Punjab is working to implement the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 after an eight-year delay.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the state to notify rules within 60 days.
The state is drafting revised rules to treat drug addiction as a mental health condition.
Health experts want evidence-based treatments and mental health review boards.
The court will review a status report on July 24.
- Who
- The Punjab government, health officials, and the high court are involved.
- What
- Punjab is working to implement the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017.
- When
- The state is racing to meet a 60-day deadline.
- Where
- Punjab, India
- Why
- To comply with a high court order and improve mental healthcare.
Health Experts
Punjab Government
Drug Addiction Treatment
Health Experts
The state's current de-addiction model is outdated and counterproductive.
Punjab Government
The government is focusing on treating addiction as a health issue.
- Law
- Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
- Deadline
- 60 days
- Court
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Key Issue
- Implementation of mental healthcare act
- Action
- Drafting revised rules; consulting stakeholders
- Focus
- Treating drug addiction as a health issue
