MENTAL HEALTHCARE ACT 2017

The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 is an important legislation in India that was enacted to provide rights and protection to individuals with mental illness. Here are some key features of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017:

1. Mental Health Services: The Act recognizes the right to access mental healthcare services and mandates the establishment of mental health services in every district of India. It emphasizes the integration of mental health services into the general healthcare system.

2. Advance Directives: The Act allows individuals to create advance directives, which are written instructions specifying the treatment preferences they would like to receive or refuse in the event that they lose decision-making capacity due to mental illness. These advance directives are legally binding.

3. Mental Health Review Commission and Boards: The Act establishes Mental Health Review Boards at the district, state, and national levels. These boards are responsible for reviewing and deciding on matters related to the rights of persons with mental illness. The Act also provides for the establishment of Mental Health Review Commission at the state and national levels to oversee the functioning of the boards.

4. Decriminalization of Suicide: The Act decriminalizes suicide and emphasizes the need for providing care, treatment, and support to individuals who attempt suicide.

5. Rights of Persons with Mental Illness: The Act protects the rights of individuals with mental illness, including the right to access mental healthcare, the right to live with dignity, the right to confidentiality, and the right to participate in decisions regarding their treatment and care.

6. Prohibition of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) without Anesthesia: The Act prohibits the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on minors and requires that ECT can only be administered with the use of anesthesia and muscle relaxants.

7. Mental Health Review Tribunals: The Act establishes Mental Health Review Tribunals, which have the authority to receive and decide on applications related to admission, treatment, and discharge of individuals with mental illness who are admitted to mental health establishments.

8. Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy: The Act emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, education, and advocacy. It aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and promote community-based mental health services.

It's important to note that while the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 is specific to India, many countries have similar laws or policies in place to protect the rights of individuals with mental illness and promote access to mental healthcare services.