This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

5 Things You Need To Know About India's Proposed Mental Health Bill

5 Things You Need To Know About India's Proposed Mental Health Bill
A mentally challenged youth holds a placard during a protest outside the Indian Health Ministry in New Delhi on October 10, 2012, held to mark World Mental Health Day. Several Disability Rights groups and activists staged a protest outside the Health Ministry, urging the government to stop the recently proposed Mental Health Care Bill. AFP PHOTO/ MANAN VATSYAYANA (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/GettyImages)
MANAN VATSYAYANA via Getty Images
A mentally challenged youth holds a placard during a protest outside the Indian Health Ministry in New Delhi on October 10, 2012, held to mark World Mental Health Day. Several Disability Rights groups and activists staged a protest outside the Health Ministry, urging the government to stop the recently proposed Mental Health Care Bill. AFP PHOTO/ MANAN VATSYAYANA (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/GettyImages)

NEW DELHI -- India's new mental health bill was proposed two years ago, but is still stuck in the legislative process. The Indian government in 2007 ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which means India has to align with the Convention. To that effect, the Mental Health Care Bill, 2013 was first introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 19 August to repeal the existing Mental Health Act, 1987.

Unfortunately the bill, introduced by then health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad of the United Progressive Alliance, had to be withdrawn. Later, the present government under the Bharatiya Janata Party made a few changes and the next health minister Harsh Vardhan promised to push the bill aggressively in Parliament. Present health minister J P Nadda too has acknowledged the need to address mental health treatment in India. Here are five key features of the bill you need to know:

What Is Mental Illness?

The bill defines “mental illness” as "a substantial disorder of thinking, mood, perception, orientation or memory that grossly impairs judgment, behaviour, capacity to recognise reality or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life." It includes mental conditions associated with alcohol and drug abuse, but does not include mental retardation, as it is a result of incomplete mental development of the person.

Who Makes Decision On Treatment?

Unless the person is completely incapable of understanding their illness, they will decide for themselves what kind of treatment they receive. If a person with mental illness is able to understand information relevant to their treatment, retain that information, use it to make a decision and communicate it using speech, sign language, or any other means, no one else can make these decisions for them, according to the proposed legislation.

Access To Treatment

Everyone should have access to mental health services which are either offered by the government or funded by them, according to the new bill. This means that the health services should be affordable and easily available, and those seeking treatment should not have to travel long distances.

Role Of State Government

Within nine months of the bill being passed, state governments will have to establish their own mental health authority, and integrate mental health services into general health care at all levels. This means mental health services should be available in primary, secondary and tertiary health care.

Decriminalising Suicide

The act decriminalises attempt to suicide, placing it under the ambit of mental illness. Instead of punishing people who attempt suicide, the government wants to help them and offer mental health care facilities.

Contact HuffPost India

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.