Question: When did the Rajya Sabha passed Mental Health Care Bill?
(a) 8 August 2016
(b) 9 August 2016
(c) 6 August 2016
(d) 7 August 2016
Ans: (a)
Related facts:
- On 8 August 2016 the Rajya Sabha passed Mental Health Care Bill 2013 seeking to provide better healthcare for people suffering from mental illness.
- There were 134 official amendments to the bill, which took almost an hour to be passed clause by clause.
- The Mental Health Care Bill 2013 says that any person who attempts to commit suicide shall be presumed, unless proved otherwise, to be suffering from mental illness at the time of attempting suicide and shall not be liable to punishment under section 309 of Indian Penal Code (IPC).
- Around 6-7 percent of the country’s population suffered from some kind of mental illnesses, while 1-2 percent suffers from acute mental disease.
- According to WHO figures, around 27 per cent of India’s population suffered from depression.
- India had only 5000 psychiatrists whereas at least 8,500 more were needed.
- The bill provides for ensuring healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness “in a manner that does not intrude on their rights and dignity.”
- Bengaluru based NIMHANS: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro sciences has started survey to know the population suffering from some kind of mental illnesses.
Reference:
http://www.ptinews.com/news/7743410_Rajya-Sabha-passes-Mental-Health-Care-Bill.html
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/rajya-sabha-passes-mental-health-care-bill-116080801436_1.html
http://www.firstpost.com/politics/mental-health-care-bill-decriminalising-suicide-passed-in-rajya-sabha-2943898.html
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/rajya-sabha-passes-mental-health-care-bill-116080801436_1.html