PATNA: Expressing shock and disgust at the lack of a mental health authority in Bihar despite such provisions in the Mental Health Care Act 2017, and the increasing need for mental health services in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic 19, the Patna High Court has instructed the chief state secretary to immediately take all measures to ensure the establishment of the authority as stipulated and indicate the measures taken to comply with the other provisions of the statute.
“It appears that the mental health of a person and the treatment of those who need it, even more so during the time of Covid-19, is the lowest priority of the state government,” said a court-approved order from Chief Justice Sanjay Karol. . and Judge Sanjay Kumar in an Akanksha Maviya Public Interest Litigation (PIL) camp. The order was approved earlier this week.
The court noted that the movement to establish the authority began only in the year 2020, that too, with the publication of an advertisement in the newspaper. “Since then, nothing has been done to expedite the process. Even the affidavit submitted by the Bihar Additional Director of Health does not reveal the timeframe within which such a process would be completed. The claims are as vague as they can be,” he added.
Not satisfied with the government’s affidavit, the court noted: “It is only stated that ‘applications under the aforementioned advertisements were received and are under consideration, but due to the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, they are still under consideration’. in process. completion’. What is that stage? How long would it take to complete? Who participates in the selection process? These are all questions that remain to be answered by one’s own imagination,” added the bank.
The next hearing is scheduled for February 25.
“Surprisingly, as now appears from the affidavit presented by the State, said authority has not yet been established. Also, as to whether there was one under the repealed Mental Health Act, 1987 is unclear from the state’s response. The purpose behind the enactment is to provide mental health care and services to people in need,” the bank said.
The Mental Health Care Act of 2017 was notified on April 7, 2017 with the goal of providing mental health care and services to people with mental illness, and protecting, promoting and fulfilling the rights of such people during provision of mental health care. It deals specifically with the establishment and composition of the state authority, which will be called the “State Mental Health Authority”.
The petitioner had sought instructions from the authorities to establish a legitimate and functional State Mental Health Authority pursuant to Section 45 and Section 55 of the Mental Health Act 2017 and to start a helpline and counseling facility to provide information information about mental health and Covid, addressing anxiety, stress and depression, as well as training all relevant people, including law enforcement officials, mental health professionals and other health professionals, about the provisions and implementation of the Law. It also requested the publication of the list of said registered mental health professionals in the manner specified by regulations of the State Authority.
.
