PNS | DEHRADUN
The State’s Home secretary Shailesh Bagauli directed the Health department to complete the mandatory registration of all old and new de-addiction centres operating in the State under the State Mental Health Authority (SMHA) within the designated timeline. The directive was issued during a review meeting he held with the departments and officials concerned to discuss prevention of trade and consumption of narcotics on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Bagauli provided the guidelines to the Social Welfare department, Medical and Health department and Police department. While emphasising that registration of all de-addiction centres is mandatory in the stipulated deadline, he warned that if any of such centres fails to register within the prescribed timeline, it would be shut down immediately.
Additionally, he called for the constitution of an investigation committee to assess the performance of all old and new de-addiction centres in the State, ensuring regular inspection. Further, he directed that routine testing and registration checks of all private de-addiction centres be carried out in accordance with the timelines specified in the Mental Health Care Act.
He also provided guidance on creating the structure for the State Mental Health Authority and drafting the State mental health policy as soon as possible. The Social Welfare department has been designated as the nodal department and both the Police and Food Safety Department have been instructed to carry out enforcement actions vigorously.
