Assessing the Gaps: Theory Versus Practice of the Biomedical Model in the Punjab Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2014

ABSTRACT Mental health practitioners may follow the biomedical approach in their practice, following its dominance in the Punjab Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2014. This study explores the reasons behind the dominance of the biomedical model in the Punjab Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2014 and aims to understand whether practitioners view individuals with mental health problems solely through the biomedical lens. Elite interviews of 20 participants were conducted to answer questions about Punjab's mental health policy. Phenomenological qualitative research design and case study were part of the research design guiding the data collection process. Qualitative content analysis helped with the data analysis. The results are presented in three themes: (1) Dominance of the Biomedical Model in Policymaking; (2) Alternative Modalities; (3) Ground Realities. Participants stated that psychiatrists were involved in policymaking and stressed the role of the pharmaceutical industry in providing them with financial backing that has caused the dominance of the biomedical model in the Punjab Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2014. Nonetheless, the mental health practitioners acknowledge the efficacy and role of alternative models. The results indicate only the presence of psychiatrists and the absence of other relevant stakeholders in the mental health policymaking process that has caused the dominance of the biomedical model in the Punjab Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2014.