Dehradun – In a major step to curb drug addiction and improve mental health infrastructure, the Uttarakhand government has launched a statewide inspection drive against unregistered de-addiction and rehabilitation centres. Institutions found operating without valid registration will face immediate closure and financial penalties, officials said.
Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar stated that the campaign is being carried out under the Mental Health Care Act, 2017 and in line with the government notification dated July 24, 2023. The primary goal is to ensure transparency, standardization, and quality in mental health services.
District Magistrates to Lead Inspections
Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, district-level inspection teams have been formed under the leadership of District Magistrates. These teams are verifying the registration status, infrastructure, staffing, and treatment standards of each centre.
Currently, 133 institutes across the state are provisionally registered. Final registration will only be granted after thorough site inspections and document verification. Institutes also registered under the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010, are now required to furnish an undertaking under the Mental Health Act.
Surprise Raids Reveal Serious Violations
Surprise inspections based on public complaints have already begun. In Dehradun’s Selaqui area, major lapses were discovered at a local centre. Similarly, serious issues were detected at a De-addiction Centre in Haridwar.
Monthly Review Board Meetings Made Mandatory
The Health Secretary further informed that Mental Health Review Boards—currently functional in seven districts—must now hold monthly meetings. The process of constituting these boards in the remaining six districts is underway.
Only Standard-Compliant Centres to Operate
Dr. Rajesh Kumar emphasized that going forward, only those centres meeting the minimum medical, administrative, and social criteria will be allowed to function. “The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy—no compromise on quality, and strict action against violators will be ensured,” he added.
