By Patience Longwe
Parliament on Thursday passed the Mental Health Bill in a significant step towards improving mental health care in the country.
This landmark legislation replaces the outdated Mental Treatment Act of 1948, shifting the focus from a medical based approach to a human rights based approach.
Minister of Health Khumbidze Kandodo Chiponda said the bill guarantees individual with mental health conditions the right to recognition before the law, employment, fair treatment, access to information, and the highest attainable standard of mental health care.
“The bill provides health and safety whereby mental health facilities are required to provide a safe environment for patients and society, prioritizing well being and protection,” she said.
The bill outlines procedures for taking individuals into custody or admitting then for treatment, ensuring clarity and consistency.
Kandodo noted that the bill is expected to significantly improve Malawi’s mental health care system which, currently, faces numerous challenges including inadequate funding, stigma,and limited access to care.
“According to mental health experts, the bill’s provision for ring-fenced mental health funding is crucial for addressing these challenges and ensuring adequate resources for mental health care,” she said.
With Malawi grappling with a mental health crisis, the bill comes at a critical time when the country has seen a rise in suicides, highlighting the need for improved mental health support and services.
According to Kandodo Chiponda, the new legislation aims to promote the dignity and well being of individuals with mental health conditions, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.
