The National Council has passed the Mental Health Bill, replacing the Mental Health Act of 1973, which has been criticised as outdated.
The Bill aims to protect the dignity of mental health patients and strengthen community-based mental health services, as well as establish a mental health review board.
Members of parliament in the National Council have called on the government to make mental health a national health priority, supported by adequate budgetary resources.
Discussions on the Mental Health Bill began yesterday in the National Assembly, with several MPs raising concerns about clauses needing amendment.
Members of Parliament have urged amendments to the Mental Health Bill to address delays from Namibia's shortage of psychiatrists, proposing that other trained health workers conduct assessments.
The National Assembly is expected to resume debate on the Mental Health Bill at the committee stage after proceedings stalled last week due to procedural disagreements among Members of Parliament.
Members of the National Assembly have welcomed and supported the Mental Health Bill introduced by the Ministry of Health and Social Services while offering suggestions to strengthen its provisions.
