PUNE: Maharashtra government has appointed Dr Kiran Prakash Chavan, founder of Manobrahma Foundation, Director of Samvad Rehabilitation Center, and a psychiatrist and public health expert, as a member of the Maharashtra State Mental Health Authority Committee.Dr. Chavan has been appointed for a three-year term as an unofficial member representing people or organizations that work to care for and support people with mental illness.Speaking about his appointment, Dr. Chavan said, “This appointment is not only an honor but also a great responsibility to help build a strong, integrated and accountable system in the state. I will be committed to expanding access to mental health care to the last mile and promoting mental health care. “For the past few years, Dr. Chavan has been active in areas including drug addiction, mental health rehabilitation, rehabilitation of homeless people with mental illness, mental health awareness and community care, according to the release.Maharashtra State Mental Health Authority is a central government agency responsible for organizing, supervising and monitoring mental health services, ensuring effective implementation of mental health laws and protecting the rights of people with mental illness. The committee consists of experts, government officials and representatives of various organizations.The appointment of Dr. Chavan is expected to bring his extensive knowledge and expertise on mental health to government policy making.