Tripura flags 19 unauthorised rehab centres, issues show-cause notices

The Tripura government has identified 19 private de-addiction and mental health rehabilitation centres operating without authorisation, prompting the State Mental Health Authority to issue show-cause notices against them.

Officials said on Sunday that the notices were sent to the management of the 19 "unauthorised" centres. Among those served is Swapna Foundation in Agartala, the facility where a crime was recently reported and which triggered the government's scrutiny of such institutions.

The notices allege that the centres have been running without completing the registration process and are harming the health of inmates in multiple ways. Deficiencies in infrastructure, trained staff, security arrangements and basic amenities were also flagged.

The authority has asked the management bodies to reply within a week, and to explain why action should not be initiated against them under the applicable provisions. The notices were issued under the Mental Health Care Act.

Officials noted that under Section 65(1) of the Act, operating any mental health centre or rehabilitation facility without registration from the competent authority is strictly illegal. The government has warned of action under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.

The crackdown follows concerns over safety and standards at private rehabilitation facilities in the state, with the authorities moving to verify whether such centres comply with statutory requirements.