In a decisive move to safeguard patient rights and enforce compliance with national law, the Tripura State Mental Health Authority has issued show-cause notices to 18 private rehabilitation centres and mental health institutions for allegedly operating without valid registration under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
The notices, served on September 9, direct the institutions to explain within seven days why legal and administrative action should not be initiated against them. The Authority has warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation or cooperate with the inquiry could trigger unilateral punitive measures under the Act.
Under Section 65(1) of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, no mental health establishment can operate without registration from the competent authority. Registration ensures compliance with prescribed standards covering patient safety, food quality, room dimensions, accessibility for persons with disabilities, biomedical safety, and other essential requirements.
The institutions named in the notices include: Jiban Jagrati Foundation (Santirbazar), Holy Foundation (Jirania), Rupayan Foundation (Dashamighat), James Foundation (Jampuijala), Relieve Foundation (Bypass Road), Hill Foundation (Bachaibari), Saksham Rehabilitation Center (Khumulwng), Deep Foundation (Kanchanpur, Bethesda Rehab Facility (Nandannagar), Welfare Society Muchang (Kamalpur), Serene and Sober Foundation (Shalgara), Relieve Foundation (Sepahijala SPO Office), Radhya Foundation (Barjala), Rejuvenation Foundation (Teliamura), Yapiri Katal Foundation (Gabardi), Revival Foundation (Tulashikhar), TSB Counseling Center (Takarjala) and Edensend Foundation (Bishramganj).
The Authority revealed the current status of rehabilitation centres across districts: West Tripura: 20 centres, 12 applications submitted;
North Tripura: 3 centres, 2 applications submitted; Dhalai: 4 centres, 2 applications submitted; Khowai: 7 centres, 4 applications submitted; Unakoti: 3 centres, all applied; Gomati: 2 centres, 1 application submitted; South Tripura: 1 centre, applied; Sepahijala: 3 centres, 2 applications submitted.
Several centres have reportedly initiated the registration process after receiving the notices, signaling compliance under pressure.
The Authority’s action follows observations that some establishments were allegedly functioning without registration and failing to meet prescribed safety and quality standards, potentially jeopardizing the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of patients.
Officials stressed that rehabilitation centres must operate within the legal framework to ensure humane treatment and proper care.
Meanwhile, the Authority has made it clear that establishments failing to comply with the Act or provide satisfactory replies within the stipulated period may face legal and administrative action.
This crackdown is being viewed as a landmark step in enforcing accountability and raising standards in Tripura’s mental healthcare sector.