1.26 Lakh Seek Counselling: Patna HC pushes for compliance with Mental Healthcare Act 2017

Patna: Noting that 1,26,000 individuals have sought mental health counselling in recent years, the Patna High Court has called for comprehensive reforms in the state's mental healthcare system, stressing the need for stronger infrastructure, rehabilitation, and strict legal compliance.

According to the news reports, while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL), a bench led by K Vinod Chandran and Justice Harish Kumar examined the state’s mental healthcare framework, drawing attention to deficiencies in infrastructure and statutory compliance. The proceedings were initiated following an inspection by the Bihar State Legal Services Authority, which highlighted concerns at the Bihar Institute of Mental Health and Allied Sciences.

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“The concerned authorities shall go through the feasibility of the valuable suggestions and recommendations given in the report of the learned Amicus Curiae and file their responses as to how those can be implemented,” the court said on March 16, indicating that recommendations would not remain merely advisory, reports Money Control.

Data presented before the court showed that district hospitals alone accounted for more than 99,000 cases over the past three financial years, with an additional 23,494 individuals accessing care in 2025–26 up to December. The Tele-MANAS initiative, operational since November 2022 through centres at IGIMS Patna, BIMHAS Koilwar, and JLNMCH Bhagalpur, has reached over 36,000 people, demonstrating both growing outreach and mounting demand for mental health services.

The court expressed particular concern over post-treatment care for patients. While the state stated that recovered individuals are moved to halfway homes and provided vocational training, there was no clarity on the type of training, its effectiveness in generating employment. With only two halfway homes in Bihar, the bench warned that patients risk being cycled back into institutions due to inadequate support systems.

According to Money Control, despite claims of improved facilities -- such as free medicines, food, and recreational services -- the inspection reports highlighted multiple shortcomings at BIMHAS. These included non-functional de-addiction centres, the absence of an ICU, and a shortage of key specialists like anaesthetists.

Inspectors also pointed to unsafe living conditions, including open manholes and damp wards, as well as environmental concerns linked to nearby sand mining. Limited rehabilitation capacity further meant that patients often remained institutionalised longer than necessary.

The court also flagged issues with compliance under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, including irregular functioning of Mental Health Review Boards and delays in establishing a fully operational State Mental Health Authority. Shortages of psychiatric medicines at primary healthcare centres and a lack of trained professionals in schools were also noted.

The bench directed police to establish a 24×7 toll-free helpline for reporting persons with mental illness found wandering, ensuring immediate intervention under Section 100 of the Act. Authorities were also asked to conduct awareness campaigns and maintain proper data. Prison officials were instructed to detail how inmates with mental health conditions are identified and treated.

The court emphasised that incremental improvements would not suffice, calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the system. It also directed the state legal services authority to report on legal aid availability, noting the absence of a dedicated “Mano Nyay” clinic at BIMHAS.

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