Mental Health Care Act 2017: Current Trends and Challenges in India

Abstract

The Mental Health Care Act (MHCA) of 2017 represents a significant advancement in the evolution of mental health legislation in India. It was implemented to align Indian legislation with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), initiating a substantial transformation in the perception and treatment of mental illness in the nation. The MHCA 2017 shifts away from a predominantly custodial approach to safeguard the rights of individuals with mental illness, enhance access to high-quality mental healthcare, and reduce stigma and discrimination. This paper examines the prevailing trends influencing the implementation of the MHCA 2017, together with the substantial barriers hindering its proper application. This study paper will comprehensively address these topics while evaluating the provisions of the existing Act and identifying its deficiencies in protecting, serving, caring for, and rehabilitating its intended beneficiaries.