Punjab Government strengthens mental healthcare through SMHA reforms, district review boards and stronger safeguards for patients and caregivers.
The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is working to strengthen the state’s mental healthcare system, with a focus on better regulation of services and stronger protection of patients’ rights.
The government is strengthening the State Mental Health Authority (SMHA) to improve oversight of mental healthcare services across Punjab. The initiative will also cover people dealing with mental health concerns linked to addiction, ensuring that their rights and treatment needs remain an important part of the system.
ALSO READ:- Mann Government Seeks Payment Of Punjab’s Water Dues,…
District-Level Mental Health Review Boards to Strengthen Oversight
As part of the proposed framework, Mental Health Review Boards at the district level will play an important role in monitoring matters related to mental healthcare.
These boards will be able to review issues including patient admissions, treatment-related decisions, complaints and allegations of rights violations. The mechanism is aimed at providing an additional layer of review and accountability for people receiving mental healthcare.
The district-level system can also make it easier for patients and caregivers to raise concerns and seek a review of decisions related to their treatment.
Wider Representation in State Mental Health Authority
The government is also expanding representation within the State Mental Health Authority. Along with psychiatrists and mental health professionals, the framework seeks to include people with lived experience of mental illness, caregivers, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders.
Greater participation from these groups can help bring different perspectives into the planning and monitoring of mental healthcare services.
Focus on Patient Rights and Community Participation
The proposed changes place greater emphasis on protecting the dignity and rights of people receiving mental health treatment. By involving patients, caregivers and community organisations, the government aims to make mental healthcare more responsive to people’s real-world needs.
Strengthening the SMHA and establishing district-level review mechanisms are expected to improve monitoring, accountability and grievance redressal in Punjab’s mental healthcare system.
The initiative represents a broader effort to create a more inclusive mental health framework in the state, where treatment, patient rights and community participation receive equal attention.
For More Hindi News: http://newz24india.com