The Ministry of Health has approved a new procedure for providing psychiatric care in inpatient settings, paying special attention to dignity and human rights, instead of the punitive psychiatry practices of the Soviet era. This information is reported by Rubryka with reference to the Ministry of Health.
One of the main problems identified by the Ministry of Health is fear and stigma, which prevent people from seeking help from medical professionals for their mental health. This burdensome situation is partly due to memories of the methods of punitive psychiatry of the past, which are deepening even more in the modern Russian system. However, Ukraine is taking a different path, focusing on European standards and principles of human rights protection.
It is noted that already in 2017, amendments were made to the legislation and the Concept of the development of mental health care until 2030 was adopted. These steps involve increasing the differentiation of the approach to assistance and increasing sensitivity to the needs of different population groups. Currently, the Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated 07.12.2023 No. 2085 approved the Procedure for providing psychiatric care in inpatient settings, which emphasizes the rights and dignity of patients.
The new order is aimed at improving the availability of mental health services and preventing any form of violence against patients. It provides for a ban on providing psychiatric care to persons under the age of 18 in adult departments, mandatory examination and recording of bodily injuries, and guarantees free communication of patients with visitors and access to hygiene products and drinking water.
