A national law will be formulated to protect mentally ill people and improve mental health services, as mental illnesses are emerging as a serious issue in China, Xinhua News Agency reported Wednesday.

The draft of the law, which would guarantee mental patients' rights to receive medical treatment and convalescence services, is part of the country's effort to better care for the mentally ill and help them gradually return to normal life, said Vice Minister of Health Zhu Qingsheng.

About 16 million people in China suffer from mental disorders, and the annual incidence of mental illnesses has reached 13 per 1,000 people, Zhu said at a ceremony to mark the 10th "World Mental Health Day" Wednesday.

Various activities were held nationwide to raise public awareness of disease prevention, convey correct information and provide counseling services during the event, which was designated by the World Federation of Public Health Associations.

"It is especially important to patients themselves and their families to eliminate discrimination and provide good medical services," Zhu said.

But due to lack of legal measures, many patients cannot get treatment if, for example, their families refuse to send them to a mental hospital or family members refuse to take care of them.

Behavioral problems in children, alcohol and drug abuse, suicide attempts, mental retardation among the elderly and psychological problems of middle school and college students have been increasing since the 1980s, according to experts.

(eastday.com 10/11/2001)