The Rajya Sabha passed the Mental Health Care Bill with record 134 amendments.
The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed, by voice vote, the Mental Health Care Bill, 2013 that seeks to provide better medical care to mentally ill besides ensuring their basic rights.
The Upper House discussed and debated the bill, which replaces the Mental Health Act, 1987, for over four hours before giving its nod to it.
Members, cutting across party lines, expressed concern over condition of mentally ill people in the country and called for more doctors and facilities were needed for their treatment.
Responding to their concerns, Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda told the house that the bill has been crafted carefully, so that once it is passed, it will have all good provisions for mentally ill of the country.
The upper house passed the bill with record 134 amendments.