protect the rights of people with mental health problem to ensure that they are able to receive
optimum care and are able to live a life of dignity and respect. It strengthens the institutional
mechanisms for improving access quality and appropriate mental healthcare services. The Act
increases accountability of both government and private sectors in delivery of mental healthcare
with representation of persons with mental health problem and their care-givers in statutory
authorities such as central and state mental health authority.
The most progressive features of the Act are provision of advance directive, nominated
representative, special clause for women and children related to admission, treatment, sanitation
and personal hygiene; restriction on use of electro-convulsive therapy and psychosurgery.
Decriminalization of suicide is another significant facet of the Act, which will ensure proper
management of severe stress as a precursor for suicide attempts.
HIV & AIDS
HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, aims to end the epidemic by 2030 in
accordance with the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. A person living
with AIDS cannot be treated unfairly at employment, educational establishments, renting a
property, standing for public or private office or providing healthcare and insurance services The
Act also aims to enhance access to healthcare services by ensuring informed consent and
confidentiality for HIV-related testing, treatment and clinical research. Every person in the care
and custody of the state shall have right to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and counseling
services.
Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) envisages creation of
tertiary healthcare capacity in medical education, research and clinical care, in the underserved
areas of the country. It aims at correcting regional imbalances in the availability of
affordable/reliable tertiary healthcare services and also augmenting facilities for quality medical
education in the country. PMSSY has two components- setting up of new AIIMS like institutes
in underserved regions of the country: and upgradation of existing Govt Medical Colleges
(GMCs). Under PMSSY the pace of construction expedited across all PMSSY projects,
achieving, on an average more than 42 per cent increase in capital expenditure, year on year
(YOY) basis since 2014-15.
Medical Education
The major step was the passage of Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Act, 2016, a
uniform entrance examination for admission to Under Graduate and Post Graduate medical
courses in the country viz. National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) has been introduced
from the Academic Year 2016-17. It would help curb malpractices in medical admissions
especially in private medical colleges, will lead to greater transparency and ensure better
standards of Medical Education.
Dental Education
Under Dental Council of India (DCI) framework 12 new dental colleges were established
during 2014-16. In last three years, 1670 BDS seats and 943 MDS seats have been added.