Assaults by mentally ill reveal systematic flaws(2)

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China's mental health law, which took effect in May, requires custodians and institutions to take responsibility for mentally ill patients in their charge. "But it didn't say what consequences they have to face if they fail to do so," said Wang.

The law says that people with mental problems, except those with severe mental illnesses and those who have the potential to cause harm to themselves or others, should receive inpatient treatment on a purely voluntary basis.

It also requires medical institutions to respect a patient's right to be discharged.

"But in some cases, patients with severe mental illnesses are not institutionalized in time and can potentially harm themselves and others," said Wang.

Lu Chuanhua, head of Shandong Provincial Mental Health Center, cited high medical costs as another factor hindering many patients from receiving adequate treatment. "A national survey showed that 57 percent of people with mental illnesses live below the poverty line and their families often cannot afford to pay their medical bills."

Lu said the government should allocate special funds to cover their medical expenses during institutionalization, as well as their rehabilitation at home.

"Local governments, in particular, should provide aid to ensure that patients with severe conditions are properly treated and taken care of," he said.

In the wake of the fatal assaults, Beijing's health bureau is working with other city government agencies on a community-based rehabilitation scheme that covers long-term medication and nursing care for patients who are not institutionalized.

"The new scheme will hopefully be announced before the end of this year," a Beijing health official said on condition of anonymity.

It is unclear how much Beijing will spend on the new scheme.