The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Punjab on October 01, 2026, issued the Punjab Mental Healthcare Rules, 2026.
They shall come into force on October 01, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The rules formally establish the Punjab State Mental Health Authority, detailing the inclusion of various administrative ex-officio members alongside a strict selection protocol for qualified non-official mental health professionals, caregivers, and NGO representatives. Operationally, it mandates that all non-central mental health establishments in Punjab shall apply for provisional registration with a non-refundable fee of Rs. 20,000 (exempting public facilities) and visibly display their certification, which remains valid for 12 months.
• Furthermore, practicing mental health professionals—such as psychiatrists and clinical psychologists—shall register digitally with the Authority every 5 years for a fee of Rs. 2,000. To protect patient rights and settle systemic disputes, the rules outline the district-level Mental Health Review Boards tasked with resolving admission challenges and appointing legal representatives within strict time frames.
• The rules ensure accountability through mandatory triennial inspections, facility audits by a multidisciplinary committee, and strict financial bookkeeping with annual reports submitted directly to the State Legislature.
[Notification No. - G.S.R.56/C.A.10/2017/S.121/2026]
