The National Assembly is expected to resume debate on the Mental Health Bill at the committee stage after proceedings stalled last week due to procedural disagreements among Members of Parliament.

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health and Social Welfare, Nono Katjingisua, said the committee has been tasked with revisiting the procedural rules before the process can continue.

"So the delay might take a bit longer, but what I can assure the nation now is that this bill, if it is passed, will bring help to our people. It will assist our people, even the health officials and the nation, also to know where to go when you speak or when you are having that mental health problem. For now, we just live with the problems and issues, but do not know where to go. But it is now open to every Namibian. It will assist us in mainly recasting living people on Earth."

The Mental Health Bill was introduced last year by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao. 

It seeks to repeal and replace the Mental Health Act of 1973, which the government argues is outdated and no longer aligned with democratic principles and international human rights standards. 

The proposed legislation provides for patient rights, institutional responsibilities, community-based mental health care, judicial oversight, and the establishment of independent review boards to monitor compliance and handle appeals.

Katjingisiua says the bill is designed to address not only clinical conditions but also broader aspects of emotional, psychological and social wellbeing.

"This mental health bill includes the emotional, psychological and social well-being of our people… it is the only bill that can bring a solution to those affected so that they can be cared for and supported. So the delay might take us a bit behind, but what I can assure the nation now is that this bill, if it is passed, will bring help to our people. It will assist us in mainly guiding people on where to go when they are experiencing mental health challenges."

She added that although the delay may slow legislative progress, the bill, once passed, will strengthen access to mental health services and provide clearer guidance for both the public and health practitioners.