Windhoek: The National Council concluded its Second Ordinary Session of the 7th National Council on Friday, marking a significant advancement in legislative oversight and healthcare reform. Central to this session was the unanimous passage of the Mental Health Bill.

According to Namibia Press Agency, a statement issued by the National Council on Sunday outlined that the legislation will now be forwarded to the Speaker of the National Assembly for referral to the President, in accordance with Articles 56 and 64 of the Namibian Constitution. The NC stated that during the two-week gathering in Windhoek, lawmakers conducted extensive discussions, thoroughly reviewing 24 detailed reports. This included six reports from parliamentary standing committees, five updates from inter-parliamentary organisations, and 13 regional council reports. By focusing on these regional submissions, the council ensured that local issues and community concerns were directly incorporated into national legislative discourse.

In closing the session, Chairperson Lukas Sinimbo Muha urged members to maintain momentum during the recess. He called on parliamentary committees to consolidate their reports, systematically track recommendations, and develop practical solutions to the challenges identified. While formal debates have concluded, committee oversight activities will persist throughout the recess. The parliamentary agenda remains busy as it approaches the final quarter of the year, commencing with the Junior National Council from 31 August to 03 September 2026, followed by the Joint National Council and Regional Council Conference from 28 September to 02 October 2026.

Initially presented by Dr Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and Social Services, this legislation shifts Namibia from an outdated confinement model to a rights-based system. It enforces strict penalties for the abuse of mental health patients and guarantees legal recognition, access to employment, informed consent, and workplace protections. It also integrates mental healthcare into the primary healthcare system across all 14 regions, enhancing access in rural areas, establishing national frameworks for early intervention, addressing rising suicide rates, and creating a regulatory board and visiting committees to monitor facilities and handle patient complaints.

Despite broad cross-party support for the bill, National Council members raised significant concerns regarding its implementation. Member of Parliament Eddie Nanub emphasised the need for increased funding, infrastructure, and trained psychiatric professionals to achieve the proposed 'first-world system'. Adolf Uunona suggested repurposing unused regional government buildings into psychiatric and counselling clinics to address immediate infrastructure needs, while Zedekia Katjiuanjo called for mandatory annual independent oversight visits by the Ombudsman of Namibia to prevent forced treatments and discrimination against patients.