Rights of Mental Health Patients under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 of India

Rights of Mental Patients.

murali krishnan

The Rights of Mental Health Patients under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 of India  

The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 of India, provides several rights to mental health patients, some of which are listed below:

Right to access mental healthcare: Every person with a mental illness has the right to access mental healthcare services provided by the government or private healthcare facilities.

Right to confidentiality and privacy: Every person undergoing mental healthcare has the right to privacy and confidentiality regarding their mental health condition and treatment.

Right to informed consent: Every person undergoing mental healthcare has the right to be informed about their treatment options, the risks and benefits of each option, and the right to give or withhold consent.

Right to humane treatment: Every person undergoing mental healthcare has the right to receive treatment with dignity and respect, and without any form of discrimination or abuse.

Right to legal aid: Every person with a mental illness has the right to legal aid and representation to protect their rights and interests.

Right to community living: Every person with a mental illness has the right to live in the community, and not be confined to a mental health establishment unless it is necessary for their treatment.

Right to access medical records: Every person undergoing mental healthcare has the right to access their medical records and to have them explained to them by a healthcare professional.

These are some of the key rights provided by the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 of India. It is important to note that these rights apply to all mental health patients, regardless of their gender, age, religion, caste, or social status

Right to a nominated representative: Every person with a mental illness has the right to nominate a representative who can make decisions on their behalf in case they are unable to make decisions regarding their treatment and care.

Right to complain: Every person undergoing mental healthcare has the right to make a complaint regarding their treatment or care, and to receive prompt redressal of their complaints.

Right to discharge: Every person undergoing mental healthcare has the right to be discharged from a mental health establishment when they no longer require treatment, and to receive appropriate follow-up care in the community.

Right to rehabilitation: Every person with a mental illness has the right to access rehabilitation services to help them reintegrate into the community and to live independently.

Right to participate in treatment: Every person undergoing mental healthcare has the right to participate in their treatment and care, and to be informed about the progress of their treatment.

Right to access information: Every person with a mental illness has the right to access information regarding their mental health condition, treatment options, and support services available to them.

These rights are designed to protect the interests and well-being of mental health patients and ensure that they receive quality care and treatment. It is important for mental health professionals, caregivers, and society at large to respect and uphold these rights to ensure that people with mental illnesses are treated with dignity and respect.

The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 of India is implemented and in force since July 2018. The act was passed to provide a framework for the treatment and care of people with mental illnesses in India, and to protect their rights and dignity. It applies to all mental health establishments, including government-run and private institutions, and covers a wide range of mental health conditions. The act also establishes mechanisms for addressing complaints and violations of the rights of mental health patients. Since its implementation, the act has had a significant impact on improving the quality of mental healthcare services in India and promoting the well-being of mental health patients.