Officials stressed that failing to comply with the directive would invite legal action under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Published Aug 21, 2025 | 11:35 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 21, 2025 | 11:35 AM
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The Coimbatore district administration has directed all mental health institutions in the district, including psychiatric hospitals, de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, to register with the Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority (TNSMHA) within a month under provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
Officials said the directive is aimed at bringing such institutions under regulation to ensure proper standards of care and to safeguard the rights of patients.
Registration is mandatory under the Act, and centres operating without a licence would face action, they added.
Applications are to be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer, TNSMHA, at the Government Institute of Mental Health campus, Kilpauk, Chennai.
Forms may be downloaded from the Health Department’s website or obtained from the Authority’s office by post or in person.
The Nilgiris district administration has also issued similar instructions, asking all mental health establishments to complete registration within a month.
Institutions covered under this directive include psychiatric hospitals, drug recovery and rehabilitation centres, as well as facilities for people living with mental illness and those assisting individuals with substance abuse.
Officials stressed that failing to comply with the directive would invite legal action under the Mental Healthcare Act.
