The legislation on mental health and wellbeing will be improved. Two female MPs of the Party of Action and Solidarity introduced a bill that defines mental health help. This consists not only of medical assistance, but also of social assistance and state guaranteed legal aid, IPN reports.

MP Ana Racu told a news conference that the current law on the protection of persons with mental disorders is outdated as it was adopted back in 1997. It contains discriminatory and restrictive provisions and this does not ensure the necessary protection according to the international standards. In the Republic of Moldova, as in other states, the burden of mental health problems has increased. Over the last five-six years, 4,200 persons out of 100,000 suffered from mental disorders. According to official statistics, about 150,000 citizens in the country now suffer from mental disorders and 10% of these are children.

MP Liliana Grosu said that the bill introduces a new approach that focuses on the promotion of mental health nationwide. The goal is to develop resilience to disturbing factors and to reduce the risk of mental health problems. The central and local public authorities will be obliged to design and implement policies to develop the skills needed to maintain mental health throughout life, to protect against violence, to create safe work environments and ensure a balance between personal life and work.

The bill regulates the treatment conditions, voluntary and involuntary admission to the psychiatric hospitals for examination, diagnosis and treatment purposes, etc.

The draft law is to be considered by the expert commissions and by Parliament.