The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken a new step to strengthen and improve mental health services in the state. The government has nominated 11 non-government members to the State Mental Health Authority (SMHA). According to the Punjab government the move is aimed at making mental health services more organised and accountable. The authority will focus on monitoring the quality of services, improving standards and protecting the rights of people receiving mental healthcare.
Monitoring Mental Health Services
The State Mental Health Authority is responsible for monitoring compliance with the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. The authority will regulate mental health services available in the state and review their quality. It will also work on setting service standards for mental health institutions and oversee matters related to the registration of mental health professionals. Another important responsibility of the authority will be to advise the state government on matters related to mental health policy.
Greater Focus on Patients and Families
The inclusion of non-government members is intended to bring wider representation to the state’s mental healthcare system. The experiences and concerns of patients, their families and people working directly in the mental health sector can provide important inputs for improving policies and services. The broader objective is to develop a system in which mental health services are not limited to policies and official documents but are also easily available to people who need them.
Role of District Mental Health Review Boards
District-level Mental Health Review Boards are also functioning in Punjab. These boards are headed by a district judge or another judicial officer who meets the eligibility requirements under the law. The boards can independently review matters related to the admission and treatment of people in mental health establishments. They can also examine complaints, alleged violations of patients’ rights, advance directives and issues concerning nominated representatives. Where required the boards can also inspect mental health establishments.
Experienced Professionals Included
The newly appointed members of the State Mental Health Authority include professionals with experience in the mental health sector and representatives associated with established institutions.
The Punjab government said their expertise would help strengthen the state’s mental health system and improve the quality of services.
Senior psychiatrist and nominated member Dr Satyen Sharma said the authority would need to work towards turning a rights-based mental healthcare system into effective services at the ground level.
He stressed the importance of making mental health services easily accessible and reliable for people who need support. With the new appointments, the Punjab government is seeking to strengthen oversight, improve service standards and place greater emphasis on patients’ rights and access to mental healthcare.