Sikkim urges collective efforts to tackle rising Suicide Rates

Gangtok, 11 Sep 2014: In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, an awareness and sensitization workshop was held on Wednesday (9 Sep) at the European Conference Hall, STNM Hospital, Gangtok. The workshop was organized by the Non-Communicable Diseases Division of the Health Care, Human Services & Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Psychiatric Department of Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital.

The event, chaired by Dr. K. Bhandari, Director General and Secretary of the Health Department, was attended by key officials including Dr. P.M. Pradhan, Mission Director, and Dr. Yogesh Verma, Medical Superintendent of STNM, among others. The program began on a solemn note with two minutes of silence observed in memory of suicide victims.

In his address, Dr. P.M. Pradhan emphasized that suicide is a complex, multifaceted issue that requires careful and persistent efforts to address. He noted that Sikkim is the first state in India to implement the District Mental Health Programme in all four districts and assured that the state is well-equipped with psychiatrists specializing in suicide prevention. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to address “deliberate self-harm” at the grassroots level and commended the recent heroic action of a home guard who saved a person from drowning.

Dr. K. Bhandari stressed the importance of World Suicide Prevention Day in light of rising suicide rates. He urged society to come together and make collective efforts to understand and prevent suicides. He underscored the need for individuals to be proactive and recognize the early signs of distress, as these are often the first cries for help. Dr. Bhandari also called on the media to play a positive role in addressing this issue.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. C.S. Sharma, Head of the Psychiatry Department at STNM Hospital. Following this, an interactive workshop was held for media personnel, featuring a slideshow presented by Dr. N. Thapa, Consultant Psychologist.

During the interactive session, Dr. K.J. Tobgay, Additional Director of HS-NCD, and other officials addressed questions from the media and provided insights into the issue of suicide prevention. The media were also briefed on World Health Organization guidelines for reporting and writing about suicide cases. The workshop concluded with media representatives offering suggestions to collaborate with authorities in preventing suicides and promoting peace in society.

Share: