The Mental Health Care Bill 2013, which provides for protection and promotion of rights of persons with mental illness during the delivery of health care in institutions and in the community, was passed unanimously by a voice vote
The Rajya Sabha passed a bill seeking to provide better healthcare for people suffering from mental illnesses as members across the political spectrum sought urgent steps to address the lack of infrastructure and shortage of psychiatrists in the country. The Mental Health Care Bill 2013, which provides for protection and promotion of rights of persons with mental illness during the delivery of health care in institutions and in the community, was passed unanimously by a voice vote. There were 134 official amendments to the bill, which took almost an hour to be passed clause by clause.
Replying to a debate on the legislation, Health Minister JP Nadda termed it as ‘humane and progressive’ and said its focus was to provide better support and facilities to the people suffering from various kinds of mental illnesses. “This is a historic and progressive Bill. It has been a long standing effort. It is patient-centric and focusses on how more facilities and support could be provided to the patients,” Nadda said.
He said around six to seven per cent of the country’s population suffered from some kind of mental illnesses, while one to two per cent suffer from acute mental disease. He also admitted that there was shortage of medical staff dealing with mental health in the country and the government is trying hard to have more such specialists.
Various stakeholders including academia, experts and political establishment were consulted while formulating the Bill, Nadda said, adding “the Bill focusses on community-based treatment. Special provisions for women and health have also been provided for in the Bill.” Among the various objectives, the bill provides for ensuring healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness “in a manner that does not intrude on their rights and dignity.”
It also allows adults to make an advance directive on how they wish to be treated in case they suffer from mental illness in future. A person can also chose a nominative representative who would take care of him or her.
Commenting on the Mental Health Care Bill 2013, Jyotsna Pattabiraman, CEO, Grow Fit said, “While the Mental Health Care Bill passes a little later than I would have liked, it is definitely a step in the right direction. The mentally ill have been treated as second-class citizens for long and now they have the right to receive treatment at government institutions. While most of the focus in the press has been on suicide, it’s important to understand that millions of people are struggling with mental illness who will hopefully be benefited by the provisions in the bill.
In addition to protecting the rights of patients, the Mental Health Care bill will go a long way toward helping people realise that mental illness is a treatable condition deserving of both medical and ongoing support. The stigma associated with seeking help for Mental Health needs to be obliterated.
Finally, the Mental Health Care Bill will hopefully ensure that organisations that are charged with improving mental wellness will obtain the funding they receive as well while at the same time operating in a transparent, outcome oriented manner. Young people looking for a career where they can make a difference might also now be emboldened to consider a profession in mental health.
EH News Bureau
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