Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) has been given the status of an autonomous institution, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Saturday. 

According to a notification issued by the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department, the PIMH has been awarded autonomous status under the Punjab Medical and Health Institutions Act 2003. 

The health department also constituted a 6-member Board of Management to administer the affairs of the PIMH. 

Prof Mohammad Tayyab, Dr Maqbool Elahi, Rukhsana Shah, Fatima Fazal, Mehnaz Shiraz and Sheikh Muhammad Shakeel have been made members of the board. The members are nominated for a term of 4 years. 

The PIMH is one of the best rehabilitation centers, a psychiatric institution, and the largest facility in Pakistan to treat patients with poor mental health. Patients from all over Pakistan avail the services and treatments at the PIMH. 

Earlier, there was demand that PIMH should be operated as a truly autonomous and state-of-the-art centre of excellence, which is only possible if it is managed by a high-powered board that draws support from both the government and private sector.”