On the sixth anniversary of the Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA, The Indian Psychiatry Society has urged a revision to make it less stigmatizing for patients and therapists. The request was made on World Health Day, with the theme "Health for all."

The societys President, Dr. Vinay Kumar, stated that the statute narrows down to safeguard the rights of people with mental illnesses throughout treatment delivery. He also said the emphasis should be on patient care since excessive legalization will stifle treatment-seeking and increase stigma. Recent data shows that many suffering from mental illness lack proper counseling and medical treatment.

 Dr. Arabinda Brahma, the societys general secretary, stated that two borrowed elements of this statute contradict the role of families in mental treatment.

 The Indian Psychiatric Society advocates for the reintroduction of the familys role in mental health care.

Currently, the act emphasizes only inpatient psychiatric care for persons with significant mental disease in a mental health hospital and does not consider the overall severity and adversity of mental health problems. Co-morbidities are common, and the legislation distinguishes between mental and physical diseases. It treats mental illness with a different outlook than other physical ailments, which is not scientific, so revision in the act is necessary.

(Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-psychiatry-society-demands-revision-of-mental-healthcare-act/articleshow/99847600.cms?from=mdr)