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)