Parliament passed a bill that aims to decriminalize the suicide attempt of people with mental illness and provides for the right to better health care for people with mental illness.
The Rajya Sabha had passed it in August last year with 134 official amendments. 'The Mental Healthcare Bill' also provides for the protection and restoration of the right of ownership of mentally ill persons, said Health Minister JP Nadda in the Lok Sabha just before it was passed By the Chamber.
The bill provides for the decriminalization of the attempted suicide of mentally ill persons by making it not punishable under the Indian Penal Code. It also focuses on community treatment and provides special treatment for women. The bill seeks to ensure the health care, treatment and rehabilitation of people with mental illness "in a manner that does not interfere with their rights and dignity".
While responding to a debate on the bill, Nadda described it as a "patient-centered" measure and said it was necessary to empower patients so they could get proper treatment. The legislation was adopted after wider consultations with stakeholders, he said.
"There were consultations at the regional level, as well at the Centre. After consultations with the stakeholders the bill was sent to the Standing Committee and post amendments it came to Rajya Sabha."
About 29 members participated in the discussion and almost all supported the bill. Most of the suggestions of the Standing Committee were accepted by the government, the Health Minister said.
The bill is a "progressive legislation" and intends to take care of everyone in case of any exigency, he said.
