Chapter: 1.3 Procedure for admission and discharge of mentally ill

Procedure for admission and discharge of mentally ill

A mentally ill person (not a minors may make a request for admission as a voluntary patient; in case of minor his guardian may make such request. On such request, medical officer in-charge, after enquiry within 24 hrs, if thinks necessary may admit such person. The medical officer shall discharge such patients on request by him or guardian as the case may be, unless he finds such discharge against patient's interests. Such cases will be referred to medical board, which if decides the same, then patient will be further admitted for a period not exceeding 90 day s for treatment.

A mentally ill may be admitted as inpatient on a request by friends or relatives. Such request should be supported by medical certificates to the effect. In such cases medical officer in-charge may admit the patient if he thinks necessary. Request for admission mar also be made by a police officer if such mentally ill person is dangerous to himself or others. Such persons will be discharged by magistrate on request by friends/relatives or after they are certified to be sane by the board of experts.