Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution provides that every person has the right to the high…

Motion text

THAT, aware that Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution provides that every person has the right to the highest attainable standard of health including the right to health care services; further aware that mental health is a key determinant of overall health and socio-economic development; recognizing that the Constitution assigns to the national government the responsibility of matters of health policy; concerned that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental and neurological disorders are common and about ten (10) percent of the global population suffer from at least one mental health disorder at any given time; concerned that psychiatric units are only available in a few facilities in the country and patients requiring psychiatric services have limited or no access to these facilities; acknowledging that, access to healthcare facilities would lead to improved overall health, increased economic productivity, social equity and improved quality of life for all; now therefore, this House urges the national government, through the Ministry of Health to collaborate with county governments to develop a policy integrating mental healthcare services in all healthcare facilities in the country.