Health Minister tables 2025 Mental Health Bill – nbc
The Minister of Health and Social Services Dr. Esperance Luvindao, has tabled the Mental Health Bill of 2025 in the National Assembly, describing it as a major legislative step toward modernising mental health care and protecting the rights and dignity of people living with mental health conditions in the country.
The bill seeks to repeal and replace the existing Mental Health Act of 1973, which the minister said no longer reflects Namibia’s democratic values and international human rights obligations.
“Mental health has been under-prioritised, stigmatised and governed by an outdated colonial-era framework that no longer reflects our national context or international human rights standards. The new legislation provides a comprehensive, rights-based framework for mental health care. It promotes dignity, autonomy, and equitable access to treatment and introduces oversight mechanisms to safeguard patients’ rights.”
Dr. Luvindao stated that the Bill promotes decentralised and community-based mental health services, integrating mental health education into schools, workplaces and communities, while encouraging collaboration across government sectors, civil society and traditional authorities.
Members of Parliament welcomed the bill, noting its potential to transform mental health services and address long-standing gaps in access, awareness and patient protection.
The bill covers areas such as patient rights, institutional responsibilities, community-based care, judicial oversight, and the establishment of independent review boards to monitor compliance and hear appeals.