Maharashtra appoints Dr Kiran Chavan to State Mental Health Authority Committee

Pune: Renowned mental and public health expert Dr Kiran Prakash Chavan has been appointed as a non-official member of the Maharashtra State Mental Health Authority Committee for a three-year term.

Dr Chavan, founder of Mano Brahma Foundation and Director of Sanwaad Rehabilitation Centre, has been appointed by the Maharashtra Government for a three-year term as a non-official member representing individuals or organisations involved in the care of persons with mental illness.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Chavan said, "This appointment is not merely an honour for me but also a significant responsibility to help build a stronger, more inclusive and people-centric mental healthcare system in the state, reports UNI.

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"I remain committed to expanding access to mental health services to the last mile and strengthening rehabilitation services."

Over the past several years, Dr Chavan has worked extensively in the fields of de-addiction, psychiatric rehabilitation, rehabilitation of homeless persons with mental illness, mental health awareness, and community-based mental healthcare, said a release.

The Maharashtra State Mental Health Authority is the apex statutory body responsible for planning, regulating and monitoring mental health services, ensuring the effective implementation of mental healthcare legislation, and safeguarding the rights of persons with mental illness.

The committee comprises experts, government officials and representatives from various sectors of society. Dr Chavan's appointment is expected to bring his extensive grassroots experience and expertise in mental healthcare to the state's policy-making process.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that in a major step to strengthen mental healthcare infrastructure and expand the availability of trained professionals, the Maharashtra government has announced plans to convert four regional mental health hospitals into full-fledged teaching institutes. According to the news reports, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the move on Saturday, describing it as more than an infrastructure expansion.

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