Under the Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA) 2017 of India, which of the following is a Right explicitly guaranteed to persons with mental illness?
- A Right to access mental health services and confidentiality of information ✓
- B Right to refuse ECT under all circumstances
- C Right to choose their treating psychiatrist in any government hospital
- D Indefinite right to refuse admission even when a danger to others
Correct answer: A. Right to access mental health services and confidentiality of information
Explanation
The MHCA 2017 enshrines several rights for persons with mental illness: right to access mental health care; right to community living; right to protection from cruel or inhuman treatment; right to equal treatment for physical illness; right to confidentiality; right to legal aid; and right to make an Advance Directive. The right to refuse ECT is not absolute — ECT can be administered without consent in emergencies (with relative's consent and high-powered board approval). The Act decriminalises suicide attempts (amending Section 309 IPC).
Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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