By Dorica Mtenje
LILONGWE (Maravipost):Members of Parliament have requested the Minister of Health to increase funding for mental health financing as it requires greater attention since everyone is eligible at any point.
Making contributions to the Mental Health Bill, Ben Phiri, from Thyolo Central, said that everyone can be a candidate, whether it’s through financial crisis or love matters, just to name a few.
Phiri emphasized the importance of scrutinizing mental health issues as they are affecting many people in the country.
“The Parliament clinic requires a mental health counselor to assist us all, as we all require counseling,”said Phiri.
Member of Parliament for Dowa East, Richard Chimwendo Banda, who is also the leader of the house, said that the house has witnessed several members taking their own lives due to money debts and other issues, and there needs to be serious consideration of the bill.
Member of Parliament for Thyolo south west , Chimwemwe chipungu said people need to understand what Mental health is all about.
Chipungu said the country has failed to properly define mental health, often reducing it in our vernacular to simply mean “Aliense ndi wamisala” (everyone with a condition is mad).
Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said the Bill aims to repeal and replace the outdated 1948 Mental Treatment Act (Cap. 34:02) to shift from a medical-based approach to one that promotes equal human rights for people with mental health conditions.
Kandodo said the Bill will guide the treatment and rehabilitation of people with mental health conditions while promoting and protecting their rights and freedoms by regulating how they are managed in all areas of life.
She said the Bill outlines the rights of persons with mental health conditions, emphasizing the protection and promotion of their human rights. It also seeks to establish a Mental Health Board to oversee and safeguard these rights.
“The bill’s aim is to ensure the better recognition and protection of legal rights for mental health patients, as stated by Chiponda.