Nepal Drafts Mental Health Bill to Ensure Citizen Rights
Summary
The Ministry of Health and Population has prepared a concept paper for a Mental Health Bill to protect citizens’ mental health rights and expand quality services across Nepal. The proposed law would strengthen suicide prevention, reduce stigma and discrimination, and create a federal mechanism for coordination and regulation.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Health and Population has drafted a concept paper for a Mental Health Bill after the Council of Ministers approved the drafting principle on October 19.
- The bill is intended to guarantee mental health rights, expand and coordinate services, and address stigma, discrimination, and treatment gaps.
- Mental health and psychosocial problems are estimated to account for about 15 percent of Nepal’s disease burden, with suicide-related incidents rising nationwide.
- The proposed law would set up a federal mental health unit and include provisions on institutions, emergency care, informed consent, supported decision-making, and suicide prevention.
