Health Minister Mohammed Nasim moved the Bill in the House, which was passed viva voce.
According to the bill, if any professional engaged in mental health service intentionally provides false mental illness certificate, he or she will be punished with a fine of maximum Tk 3 lakh or one year’s rigorous imprisonment or both.
The bill also incorporated punitive provisions for guardians and doctors in case of negligence in providing suitable treatment to mental health patients and management of their property, with a maximum fine of Tk 5 lakh or three years’ rigorous imprisonment, or both.
In the bill, the government has been entrusted with the responsibility of conducting, coordinating, regulating and improving all the activities related to mental health.