Psychiatrist calls for finalisation of mental health bill

Windhoek: On the eve of the commemoration of World Mental Health Day , local psychiatrist consultant Lahija Koupu - Hamunjela has expressed dissatisfaction at the government ' s failure to prioritise mental health . Koupu - Hamunjela , who is the Acting Head of Department at the Windhoek Central Hospital ' s psychiatric unit , was speaking at the mental health commemoration event here on Wednesday , stressing the need to amend the Mental Health Act 18 of 1973 , which she said is outdated . According to her the policy , which has been recommended for changes , has not been given attention by lawmakers in the National Assembly . ' I am actually very surprised and disappointed that no one from Parliament or even a high ranking government official came to attend this event ,' Koupu - Hamunjela remarked . Former health and social services minister Benhard Haufiku tabled the bill . At the time , his deputy Juliet Kavetuna also stressed that the Mental Health Act of 1973 , is obsolete . ' Discuss the bill in Parliam ent . The law we have now dates back to 1973 and we are now in 2024 . Mental health needs to be advocated for in Parliament and people need to know what it is and what it means to have mental illness ,' Koupu - Hamunjela said . She also highlighted the stigma surrounding mental diseases , adding that more awareness should be created . World Mental Health Day is commemorated on 10 October . It raises awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilises efforts in support of mental health . Source: The Namibia News Agency