The Cyprus government is drafting two bills which must be implemented without delay and will strengthen the mental health framework, Patient’s Advocate, Marios Charalambides, said on Saturday in a written statement on today’s World Mental Health Day.
The first bill will amend the existing legislation regarding psychiatric hospitalization. It regulates voluntary hospitalization, the circumstances and procedures under which an individual may be examined and hospitalized without their consent, the involvement of mental health professionals in the patient’s transport to and admission into suitable, safe facilities as well as the timely and independent review of every decision. It also provides for full information released to the patient regarding their rights and the option for representation.
The second bill addresses community-based mental health care and establishes a framework for services outside hospital settings. This framework safeguards an integrated network of community services, specialized services for children and adolescents as well as particularly vulnerable groups, and the institutionalization of the operation of community-based facilities.
The Patient’s Advocate noted that mental health requires a collective commitment, ongoing dialogue with those experiencing mental health issues, as well as decisions, resources, legislation, evaluation that will lead to tangible results.
He also said that the dignity of individuals living with mental health challenges must remain the central focus of every policy and intervention, given that the stigma and social exclusion they experience remain among the most serious shortcomings and greatest challenges our society is faced with.