Bharti Patel is a mental health advocate with over 20 years’ experience in public and community-based mental health. As the National Executive Director of the South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH), Bharti is passionate about the rights of people with mental health conditions.
She was appointed to serve on the National Department of Health – Mental Health Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) advocating for mental health to be prioritised within the South African health system and providing oversight on the implementation of the Mental Health Policy Framework 2023-2030.
Her expertise in strategic governance, leadership, programme development, risk management and financial planning has positioned her to serve in an advisory capacity on non-governmental boards (NGO). She has a master’s degree in Disability Rights in Africa and serves on various policy and legislation committees advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.