Shillong, Dec 9; The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the Meghalaya Mental Healthcare Rules, marking a major policy milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen and regulate mental health services.
Announcing the decision on social media, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said that until now, institutions engaged in mental healthcare, rehabilitation, and related services had been functioning without a formal regulatory framework. The absence of structured guidelines had long been viewed as a gap in the state's healthcare governance.
“With today’s decision, we have officially approved the Meghalaya Mental Healthcare Rules, providing a structured and comprehensive framework for mental health services across the state,” Sangma stated.
The newly approved rules aim to streamline the functioning of mental health institutions, ensure accountability, and establish clear standards for care, safety, and rehabilitation. The framework is expected to enhance the quality of services, improve monitoring mechanisms, and support the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act.
Government officials noted that the rules will also pave the way for better coordination among service providers and help protect the rights and well-being of individuals seeking mental health support.
The move is widely seen as a significant step toward improving mental healthcare accessibility and governance in Meghalaya.
