Survivors of suicide no longer to be prosecuted
Q. Which bill decriminalises suicide and provides for better healthcare for people mentally afflicted?- Published on 29 Mar 17a. Mental Healthcare Bill 2015
b. Mental Healthcare Bill 2016
c. Medical Healthcare Bill 2016
d. Medical Healthcare Bill 2015
ANSWER: Mental Healthcare Bill 2016
Suicide attempt survivors will no longer have to undergo prosecution, with the LS on Mach 27, 2017 passing the Mental HealthCare Bill 2016.
The bill decriminalises suicide and makes provisions for better healthcare for people suffering from mental illness.
Bill passed by RS with 134 official amendments in Aug 2016 was passed in the Lower House by voice vote as all parties assented to the bill.
Mental depression was discussed by the PM in his radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat on 26th March as well.
The bill gives legal rights to individuals to seek treatment for mental illness. Moreover, it decriminalises suicide attempts and identifies the caretakers.
It also curtails and punishes inhuman treatment or imprisonment to a person with persistent mental illness.”
As per this law, we cannot separate a child for three years.
Also, one cannot chain a mentally-ill person."
He clarified that the aim of the legislation is to see that the patient is protected and no coercive method is adopted.
BJP MP Ashwani Kumar Choubey suggested inclusion of music therapy as one of the remedies for mental treatment.
One of the features of the bill is that it 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 nominate a caregiver in such a case.
The bill clearly defines mental illness and mental healthcare as the earlier definition was vague.
There are also provisions preventing a person from being sterilised just because he or she is a mental patient.
The bill focuses on community-based treatment.
Special provisions for women and health have been provided for.
Among the various objectives, it provides for ensuring healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation of people with mental illness in a manner that doesn't intrude on their rights and dignity.
