In a significant step to enhance the mental health of its citizens, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday unveiled the “Punjab State Mental Health Policy” to coincide with World Mental Health Day, reflecting the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The initiative is designed to promote mental well-being and ensure access to quality mental health care for all residents of Punjab.
“On World Mental Health Day, Punjab is taking a historic step toward ensuring that mental well-being truly becomes everyone’s right,” said Dr Balbir Singh. He added that the Punjab State Mental Health Policy, together with the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, is proof of Punjab government’s commitment to the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of every person in Punjab.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, the Health Minister emphasized that societal stigma often forces individuals to suffer in silence, allowing mental health conditions to worsen. “To combat this, we are decisively integrating mental health services within our primary healthcare framework, ensuring help is available at the very first point of contact,” he said.
Dr Balbir Singh highlighted the policy’s focus on vulnerable groups, with special attention to women’s mental health. “We recognise that women often bear a disproportionate burden of societal and domestic pressures, which can severely impact their psychological well-being. Our policy, therefore, mandates a gender-sensitive approach, ensuring that women have access to safe, confidential, and empathetic mental health services. Prioritising the mental wellness of women is not just a health imperative, it is foundational to building a resilient and equitable society,” he said.
Linking the policy to this year’s theme, ‘Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,’ the Minister noted, “Our state has resilience, having confronted severe emergencies like Operation Sindoor and the recent devastating floods. These catastrophes inflict deep psychological scars through the tragic loss of life and livelihood, making robust mental health support not just a service, but an absolute necessity.” He stressed that the policy is designed to strengthen Punjab’s response to crisis-induced trauma.
Dr Balbir Singh stated that the State Mental Health Policy is grounded in equity, justice, and evidence-based, integrated care, aiming to increase the utilization of mental health services by expanding the number of trained professionals in the state. “The Policy also aims to reduce risk and incidences of suicide and promote inclusion of persons with mental health problems,” he added.
Also Read
