China's first regional mental health law, aimed at protecting the
rights of those suffering from mental illness, is likely to be
approved in Shanghai by the end of the year. The draft is now being
reviewed by the Municipal People's Congress.
"Mental disease has become the city's No. 1 problem for economic
burden," said Liu Jun, director of the Shanghai Health Bureau.
The rapid development of society and increasing competition over
the past two decades have caused more and more people to suffer
from mental problems, he said.
The latest statistics show more than 160,000 residents of the city
are afflicted with serious mental diseases.
And about 600,000 others suffer from less serious psychological
disorders, accounting for about 5 percent of the city's
population.
In
1958, only 0.28 percent of Shanghai's population was diagnosed with
psychological disorders.
Along with the increase in mental disorders, problems have arisen
with the inadequate protection of patients' rights and psychology
consultants who are unqualified.
"It is vital to draft a law to ensure the patients' rights as well
as to maintain social stability," Liu pointed out.
Human rights and preserving the dignity of patients are greatly
emphasized in the draft. Any discrimination, maltreatment or
insults directed at the mentally ill are prohibited.
Since medical expenses can be unaffordable for this group of often
impoverished patients, they can be treated in government-designated
hospitals.
The draft covers patients' rights and the responsibilities of
related departments and families; medical facilities and doctor's
qualifications; the prevention and treatment of mental diseases,
and punishments to those violating mental patients' rights.
Patients and their guardians have the right to be informed about
the entire treatment process.
They can decide their own type of treatment and have the right to
keep the nature of their ailment private.
The regulation also prohibits any schools or work units from
depriving mental patients of the rights to study and work after
they have recovered.
"The law, if endorsed, will be put into force early next year. It
is a pioneering work in the country's mental health legislation,"
said Xie.
(China
Daily November 16, 2001)