In the Himachal Pradesh High Court, Shimla has directed the state government to support mentally sick patients, especially half the way houses, especially in half homes, leave mentally sick patients and ensure compliance with the Mental Health Services Act, 2017.
A division bench met Chief Justice GS Sandhwalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma, a division bench, a representation of a representation of July 10, 2024, in which Himachal Hospital had mental health and rehabilitation about rehabilitation and appointment of some officers located in Foneguganj in Shimla.
The court appointed Advocate Vishal Lakhanpal as amicus Curia, who visited the hospital and presented a detailed report pointing to the difficulties in discharging patients admitted to the court even after complete recovery due to a legal system or lack of family will.
The order was passed on Wednesday and a copy of the order was made available on Friday.
The report also mentions the absence of essential medical testing facilities at HHMH, forcing employees to escort patients in IGMC Shimla, causing difficulties and risking their safety.
In response to the concerns raised by Amicus Curia, the state government had assured the High Court that IGMC laboratory operators were arranged to test at HHMH and also reported that two fully occupied half -occupied houses with 25 beds managed by NGOs were present in Solan and Mandi districts.
Between 2021 and 2025, 628 patients were admitted to HHMH, of which 137 were disappointed through court orders, the court was informed.
The state indicated plans to open at least one half house in each district, consulting the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and other stakeholders.
At the disposal of the case, the court appreciated the efforts of Amicus Curia and stopped the proceedings with the expectation that the state would fulfill its commitment to expand the network of the half house in a phased manner.
The court also noted NGOs such as Surbi Social Awareness and Welfare Society, Shradan Rehabilitation Foundation, Welfare Society and Estation Welfare Society, which successfully facilitated reunioning 84 patients with their families.
The High Court also asked the government to ensure compliance with the Mental Health Services Act, 2017 and maintain the rights of the community living for persons with mental illness.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without amending the text.
