Mental health and barriers to the achievement of the 'right to health'

Abstract

This paper explores issues relating to access to physical and mental health care for people with mental health problems in light of Australia’s endorsement in 2008 of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which established the right to health and to health care. Interviews were conducted with 10 key stakeholders with legal, policy, clinical and advocacy roles within South Australia and at a national and international level. Participants identified several barriers to the achievement of the right to health for people with mental illness, with discussion highlighting the legal definition of rights, governance of health and mental health, and structural barriers to receipt of care as the primary barriers. The data are explored in relation to social models of disability.