To that effect, the Mental Health Care Bill, 2013, was first introduced in the Rajya Sabha to repeal the existing Mental Health Act, 1987. Mental Health Care Bill, 2013, seeks to decriminalize acts of suicide by linking them to the state of mental health of the person attempting the act. New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Mental Health Care Bill, 2013, seeking to decriminalize suicide attempts and strengthen the mental healthcare system in the country. The debate brought out the shortage of mental healthcare experts in the country in comparison to the number of people suffering from mental illness. The Bill provides for the establishment of a State Mental Health Authority and a Central Mental Health Authority along with a Mental Health Review Commission to regulate the sector and register institutions.

Source: Mint August 09, 2016 04:30 UTC