Senate Approves Mental Health Law Reform and Sends It to Deputies

The Senate approved a reform of the National Mental Health Law and sent it to the Chamber of Deputies for review. The vote took place shortly before 1 a.m. and ended with 42 votes in favor and 21 against.

The initiative was sent by the Executive Power but underwent severe modifications in the Senate chamber. The ruling party and its allies provided the affirmative votes, while all opposing votes came from kirchnerismo.

“We cannot make a law that promises what it cannot fulfill.”

The approved text no longer includes the Executive's intention to lift the ban on creating asylums established by the 2010 law. That restriction remains in force, and hospitalization is considered an exceptional measure.

The project modifies criteria for involuntary hospitalizations, addictions, and medical teams responsible for complex decisions. It prioritizes psychiatrists, although the contribution of psychologists in interdisciplinary groups was agreed upon in recent hours.

Ivanna Arrascaeta, president of the Health Commission, cited alarming figures on public hospitalizations, noting a 70 percent increase after the pandemic. She described current results as insufficient to ensure the effectiveness of rights.

Guillermo Andrada warned that a law cannot promise what it cannot fulfill due to lack of resources. He also demanded national funding guarantees for the provinces.

The initiative now moves to the Chamber of Deputies, where it will continue its legislative process.