State minister for health on general duties Sarah Opendi has defended the mental health Bill before parliamentary health committee. Opendi stated that with the increasing rates of mental illness, the committee needs to speed up the process in scrutinising the bill.
The bill was first tabled in 2014 during the 9th parliament but never given due attention. Chairman of the parliamentary health committee Dr. Micheal Bukenya said; “we will review the bill and by early 2018, it should be presented on the flow of parliament.”
Some members of the committee seconded the bill saying it is progressive and addresses most of the issues.
According to the World health Organisation reports, Uganda ranks 6th in Africa with the highest mental disorders. Uganda’s only referral hospital Butabika, admits over 1000 patients every year.
Opendi attributed this to the increased rates of drug abuse in the country.
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