Parliament of India has passed the Mental Healthcare Bill,2016 with the Lok Sabha approving it on Monday.
The bill seeks to offer for mental healthcare and services for individuals with psychological illness and to guard, promote and fullfil the rights of such individuals during delivery of healthcare providers.
The bill additionally states that an individual who attempts suicide shall be presumed to be suffering from mental illness at that time and will not be punished under the Indian Penal Code.
According to the bill, an individual with mental illness will have the right to confidentiality in respect of his psychological well being, mental healthcare, treatment and physical healthcare.
Beneath the bill, a child under the age of three years, won’t be separated from his or her mother, if the mother is receiving care, treatment or rehabilitation at a psychological health institution.
