*(PTI)* *19 August 2011*
*New Delhi :* To protect the rights of persons with mental illness, the Health Ministry proposes to introduce a new Mental Health Care Bill to replace the existing Mental Health Act, 1987. Stating this in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on steps taken for people suffering from mental disorders, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said,"The Mental Health Care Bill, 2011, is under the active consideration of the Ministry."Azad said,"The Bill aims to provide access to mental health care for persons with mental illness and to protect and promote the rights of persons with mental illness during the delivery of mental health care." He said epidemiological studies have indicated that the prevalence of mental disorders in the country is six to seven per cent.To address the"huge burden"of mental disorders, the government is implementing the National Mental Health Programme, under which 123 districts in 20 states have already been covered, with the aim to reach out to the people suffering from mental disorders. Azad added that three mental health institutes run by the Central Government and 40 state-run mental hospitals along with 335 departments of Psychiatry in various medical colleges across the country were equipped to treat patients suffering from mental illness. http://www.indiareport.com/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/1071817/NCR/1/20/1 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
