Since the time the Mental Health Bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha in 2013, decriminalisation of suicide has been its calling card. Rights-based approachThe Act lays down that “Every person shall have a right to access mental health care and treatment from mental health services run or funded by the appropriate government. The decision is to be certified by a doctor and a mental health board. All mental health establishments have to be registered with central and state mental health authorities. There is also a quasi-judicial body called the Mental Health Review Commission to review advance directives, and to advise the government on the implementation of the Act.

Source: Indian Express March 28, 2017 18:52 UTC