sep 5, 1959 - Mental Health Act

Description:

Prioritised the deinstitutionalisation of mental health patients and a paradigm shift towards community care. Furthermore sought to make treatment voluntary and informal; and, where compulsory, give it a proper legal framework and made as a medical decision. Defined the term "mental disorder" as: “mental illness; arrest or incomplete development of mind; psychopathic disorder; and any other disorder or disability of mind”

Added to timeline:

Date:

Images: