Govt urged to pass mental health bill
A group of mental health advocates has urged Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya to immediately pass the Mental Health bill during the next session because it's long overdue.
Mental Health Foundation of Zambia President Potiphar Gwai says the new mental health bill once passed will help modernize legislation, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and promote autonomy and Human rights for persons living with mental disorders.
Mr. Gwai says Health is essential to development and there is no health without mental health.
He says the passage of the Bill into law will seal the government's commitment to promote mental health services to Zambians who need it.
"All Zambians are entitled to mental health," he added.
Mr. Gwai also pointed out that the mental health bill is not only for those with diagnosable mental health conditions but for all Zambians because its provisions target the protection and promotion of well-being and mental health of every Zambian.
"The issue of mental health has long been discussed thus it must be passed as quick as possible," Gwai says.
Mental Health Foundation of Zambia President Potiphar Gwai says the new mental health bill once passed will help modernize legislation, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and promote autonomy and Human rights for persons living with mental disorders.
Mr. Gwai says Health is essential to development and there is no health without mental health.
He says the passage of the Bill into law will seal the government's commitment to promote mental health services to Zambians who need it.
"All Zambians are entitled to mental health," he added.
Mr. Gwai also pointed out that the mental health bill is not only for those with diagnosable mental health conditions but for all Zambians because its provisions target the protection and promotion of well-being and mental health of every Zambian.
"The issue of mental health has long been discussed thus it must be passed as quick as possible," Gwai says.
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