The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has prepared a document containing strategies (file photo)
The National Suicide Prevention Strategy recommends actions such as the development and adoption of guidelines for psychosocial care for patients and carers of people with terminal or serious illnesses.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a letter on Friday, January 6, requesting to hire Education Institutions (HEIs) have to play their part in “Preventing Suicides in the Nation”. The letter, addressed to Vice-Chancellors and Principals of all universities, colleges and institutions, highlights the intensity of the issue of suicide as an important public health concern. in the country and asked what they prioritized the actions listed in the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has prepared a document containing the strategies. “Suicide is not a one-sided phenomenon, there are different reasons behind suicide according to age, gender, educational and economic status. Suicide is a tragic loss of life, affecting the people living with the loss and the entire society. However, it is encouraging that suicide can be prevented with the right interventions.”
It further said that the National Suicide Prevention Strategy prepared by the MoHFW “utilises the guidance established by national and international documents on mental health and suicide prevention.”
The document in question states that suicide is the leading cause of death in the 15-29 age group, further indicating that 65 percent of suicides are committed by people aged 18-45. The strategy identifies self-preservation supporting early primary intervention, psychosocial support, access to quality treatment, limited access to means of suicide, and cultural and religious beliefs as protective factors against suicide.
In line with this, the Strategy has recommended actions such as the development and adoption of guidelines for psychosocial care for patients and caregivers of patients with terminal or serious illnesses. It also added training programs for early detection of mental health issues and strengthening of healthcare infrastructure for the same. To increase the number of postgraduate seats in the field of mental health.
The startup also recommended conducting massive community awareness programs and including educational content to promote mental health in the curriculum. To identify and train teachers to impart life skill education to the students. Mandating the integration of mental wellness programs and facilities in all workplaces.
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