Mental Health Care Act 2017 at five years of its existence

It is a promising legislation and a welcome development.The aims and objectives of the Act are laudable and in keeping with the need of the hour.Psychiatrists, mental health professionals, persons with mental illness (PMI) and their families, and society in general welcome the Act.However, even after five years of its existence, the Act appears to be a non-starter in most parts of India.Constitution of State Mental Health Authorities, Mental Health Review Boards, and framing of Rules and Regulations, as mandated in the Act, have not been done in many states (barring a few exceptions) or are not fully functional.This poses a major hindrance in the delivery of services to PMI.