The Punjab government has appointed 11 non-official members to the State Mental Health Authority. The representation of mental health experts, patients and caregivers is expected to strengthen oversight and accountability of mental health services in the state.
Tezzbuzz Desk- The government has taken steps towards strengthening mental health services amid the 'War Against Drugs' campaign being run to tackle the drug problem in Punjab. The government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has nominated 11 non-official members to the State Mental Health Authority (SMHA). The objective of this decision is to protect the rights of people suffering from mental illness and improve the quality of mental health services in the state.
The State Mental Health Authority is the principal statutory body to monitor compliance with the provisions of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017. It sets standards, monitors and regulates mental health services in the state, as well as advises the government on mental health policy matters. With the formation and expansion of the authority, work will be done to increase accountability regarding the quality of services and patients' rights in mental health institutions.
SMHA comprises senior officials from health, medical education and social welfare departments as official members. At the same time, 11 members associated with psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric social workers, nurses, people affected by mental illness, caregivers and non-governmental organizations have been nominated. In this system, emphasis has been laid on making the experiences of patients and their families a part of mental health policies.
Dr. Satyen Sharma, a nominated member of the Authority and senior psychiatrist, said that the formation of SMHA is an important step towards developing mental health services in Punjab on the basis of quality and accountability. He said that the government has provided a rights-based framework and now it is the responsibility of the authorities to provide services to the people that they can trust and avail.
According to Dr. Sharma, it is important to give priority to the dignity of patients, continuity of treatment, rehabilitation and needs of families in mental health services. He also said that work has started towards taking mental health services to the district and community level. This system is important in a state like Punjab, so that people can get treatment and assistance for mental health related problems in their own areas.
Senior mental health expert and nominated member of the authority, Dr. Satish K. Thapar said that the challenges related to mental health in Punjab are linked to the social and community conditions of the state. Therefore, to solve these, it is necessary to make plans according to local needs. He said that formation of SMHA can also play an important role along with the efforts of the government to strengthen mental health and de-addiction services.
Dr. Thapar said that the authority can help in bringing uniformity and accountability in mental health services across the state. Along with this, ensuring protection of the rights and dignity of patients will also be included in its major responsibilities. He said that work still remains to be done at many levels to strengthen the mental health system.
Mental Health Review Boards are also functioning at the district level in Punjab. These boards are headed by the District Judge or an eligible judicial officer. These boards provide independent review of decisions regarding admission and treatment in mental health institutions. Apart from this, matters related to patients' complaints, alleged violation of rights, advance directives and nominated representatives are also investigated. If needed, mental health institutions can also be inspected.
The nominated members of SMHA include experts and organizations with long standing in the mental health field. The aim of this expansion by the government is to strengthen mental health services at the community and district level instead of limiting them to hospitals only.
The first meeting of the Authority with the nominated members is proposed in the coming week. After this meeting, further action plan can be prepared on issues related to monitoring, quality and patients' rights of mental health services in the state.
Under the 'War on Drugs' campaign, the Punjab government is also emphasizing on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and community participation to tackle the drug problem. The initiative to strengthen mental health services is part of this broader approach, focusing on providing mental health support along with treatment and rehabilitation to people affected by drug addiction.